Watercolor

[billd2]

I purchased a book "How to Wow" and followed along their instructions in converting a photo into a watercolor painting. The original photo is in my gallery. What do you think, any resemblance to a watercolor?

http://www.pixcentral.com/thumbs/391314Isabelltextured.jpg ('http://www.pixcentral.com/images/391314Isabelltextured.jpg')

[TexasRose]

Oh absolutely! That really comes as close to a real watercolor as I've seen. Now just enlarge it, and hang it!!!

I think it's super, Bill.

[Netnut]

Billd2--I really like that effect. Like TexasRose says, enlarge it and hang it. Do you mind posting the steps you took to get this effect?

[billd2]

Glad you liked it and thanks for the kind remarks. Here are the steps by the numbers and were taken from the "How to Wow With Photoshop Elements
5" book. I just followed the step by step instructions below and played around with the different settings. Needless to say it was another Elements lesson but an enjoyable one as usual. Here is also a URL that shows step by step that is like Corey's Killer Tips.

http://www.workshopsondemand.com/workshops/htw_03/index.html

1. Duplicate photo (Control+Alt+J ) name layer Smart Blur Choose this layer.
2. Choose Filter/blur/smart blur (suggested high for quality and mode normal)
3. Duplicate background layer again (ctrl+Alt+J) name layer Smart Blur Edges
4. Position new layer above Smart Blur Layer and highlight this layer
5. Choose Filter/blur/smart blur and choose Edge Only from Mode menu. Increase threshold setting to see fewer lines to your satisfaction.
6. Select Smart Blur Edges layer and invert layer by pressing Ctrl+I.
7. Under the layers palette choose Darken under blending mode.
8. Create new composite layer of all layers by pressing Ctrl+Alt+Shift+E and name new layer Texture.
9. Choose Texture Layer go to Filter/Texture/Texturizer. From Texture menu choose Sandstone. Scaling slider deternines how coarse the texture is.

[Kathy]

Thanks for sharing Bill. :)

I will have to try that technique.

Kathy

[Netnut]

Bill---Thanks for sharing the steps for this effect. I am definitely going to try this.

[Robyn]

Very nice Bill. Thank you for sharing the technique with us.

[SCRAPPYGIRL]

Really nice Bill, I was looking at it earlier in your gallery. Very impressive indeed!!

[lindajay]

Your image is lovely, Bill! I, too, will save your instructions and try them on an appropriate photo. Thanks so much for sharing.

[Ashac]

Bill, thanks for sharing the effect! Your picture is just wonderfull; what a doll!!

Karen