New picture added

[Cmcburnett]

I just added this picture to my gallery. Do you guys think its too busy? I don't think I like it. I used an oil painting tutorial I found in the forum. I am just trying to figure out what to do with a few of my many photos taken at the Atlanta bothanical Gardens.
http://www.photoshopelementsuser.com/gallery/view_img.php?id=23546

p.s. Don't be afraid of hurting my feelings. I grew up w/5 brothers, so let me know what you really think:D

[smiles]

Charlotte, I think you've done a wonderful job! A unique beautiful technique!

[selawela]

Charlotte, In a word...okay, 2...absolutely beautiful!

I would love to try it out! When you get a chance, can you send it to me...I would really appreciate it.
Thanks,
Sela

[nkeevers]

Very pretty Charlotte! I like that effect! Works well with the flowers.

[Cmcburnett]

Charlotte, In a word...okay, 2...absolutely beautiful!

I would love to try it out! When you get a chance, can you send it to me...I would really appreciate it.
Thanks,
Sela

Sela, thank you. Here is the tutorial I used to paint the picture. As far as the frame, heaven only knows how I came up w/it. I was just playing around in the different layer styles in PSE5. I'm not really crazy about the frame.

Duplicate background level (ctrl+J); Go to Filter>Adjustments>Posterize; Change the level until you get something you like and click OK(maybe in the 10-12 range); NOW go back to Filter menu and click on Blur >Smart Blur, on the smart blur screen change quality to High and Mode to Overlay Edge, you will have 2 sliders Radius and Threshold, you will want to keep radius low, Threshold should be set quite high (play with it), Now, under Filter>Blur>Guasian Blur, blur just a slight amount (hint: if you click and hold in the preview window you can see the before and after picture); You can lower the opacity to let you see part of the original image; If you want to add a texture to the painting go to Filter>Texture>Texturer from the dropdown box select Canvas and adjust slider to slight amount. (This is not good for people, just landscapes).

[Cmcburnett]

Smiles and Norma, thank you:p

[Tina_B]

I like it too. It seems like the flower is sitting on a piece of cut glass. neat effect for this photo.
Tina B

[Cmcburnett]

Tina, thank you very much. BTW I love your gallery. The child w/the goggles on is precious:D

[Teacher617]

Charlotte, I don't think it's "too busy" at all. It's quite lovely and the colors are beautiful!

Tricia

[RRSignal1]

Charlotte,

Wonderful! Love it!!

[Cmcburnett]

Jack & Tricia thank you. The galleries here never cease to amaze me. The effects and clarity of the pictures are awesome. Sometimes I'm embarrassed to post my pictures after looking at everyone elses galleries. Maybe they ought to start a beginners gallery:rolleyes: Thanks again for your replies, I really appreciate them.