Suggestions on painting attempt (cardinal)...?

[Simone]

Hi all, I am just not good with the painterly stuff but once in a while make a fumbling attempt. Yours turn out so beautifully but when I play around they mostly look blah or ugly... so then I give up! But for Mothers Day I wanted to try to do a card, so attempted this. I like this photo of the cardinal because of his sweet pose.

Honest feedback please - does this work at all? Is it sorta pretty, just blah, or need something ..? I started with a 'sponge' effect then layered the sketch effect on top, and find edges somewhere along the line, and blend modes, etc etc. No idea what I'm doing, I never do this.... Suggestions welcome ...or trash and start over..?
Thanks much! :)

Pixcentral below (I hope)

http://www.pixcentral.com/images/731173Cardinal-Tree-Pntg.jpg (http://website.hu)

[TexasRose]

Simone,

I really think this is outstanding! If I didn't know this was a photo, I'd have thought it a beautiful watercolor you purchased. I really do love the technique you used. LOVE it.

[mimi46]

I really like it. I think you did a great job.

[annc]

You certainlly did a great job - love it. Wish we had cardinals over here.

[hukari]

I think it looks just fantastic. What a good job. I am sure your mom will love it.

[pinkpepper]

simone, WOW, you've gotta KNOW this picture is gorgeous.! i don't think you'll find too many ppl here who will dislike it. i love the greens and reds, they seem to just pop off the screen, LOVE IT, LOVE IT :)

[Simone]

Thank you! I am so pleased that others like it. It was pleasing to my eye, but since I don't do the painterly effects much and I'd stared at it a long time, I just wanted others to see it as well. (Especially people who do these types of effects more than I do.) Then I think I'll go ahead with the card and perhaps I'll add it to the o'l gallery ... Thanks again! :)

[Shari]

Simone, I absolutely love it. The colours are fabulous. Your Mom will be so pleased and proud.
Shari

[Rusty]

It sure works for me, Simone,

I'm still stuck in mostly look blah or ugly :) :)

Rusty

[PhilCro]

Love it! As a Mother I would love getting this card, and knowing my daughter made it would make it more special. Send it, she'll love it.

Phyllis

[quillabee9]

Simone,
A truly beautiful work. It will go great on a card. I love the cardinal, my favorite songbird. Unfortunatly we don't have them out here in the Pacific Northwest. Your picture is very welcome.

http://bestsmileys.com/wow/2.gif

[westiemom]

Simone,

This is really beautiful. I think it will make a lovely card.

Anita

[Vesta]

Simone,

It does look like a watercolour just beautiful.

Vesta