Photo to art conversion

Final 'artistic' version

Original Point-and-Shoot photo

While I would normally use a more sophisticated technique to convert photos to photoshop painting, I set this one up for a friend who did not own the full Photoshop program to demonstrate what is possible using PS Elements and some textures.  The process starts with the key step of simplifying the photo to remove tiny details.  A low-res point-and-shoot image is often ideal.  Use a blurring technique to remove the details if possible, but at the very least resize the image to a low resolution - around 72 dpi is fine.  Next apply a combination of filter effects which should at least include a watercolor effect.  Then obtain a 'watercolor texture' and apply it to the image to render the paint stroke effects.  Finally, apply a texture overlay of watercolor paper, etc., to give it an authentic presentation.  I always wanted to paint, but never had any talent in that direction.  Digital image processing programs such as PS Elements can almost make you look like a painter.  See more on the flickr page  http://www.flickr.com/photos/vamedia/

another before and after art conversion

Here I added a different background to the painted image because the original background from the photo was distracting. After simplifying the image and using brushes to make the painting emulation, I added a blotchy background using a special watercolor brush and a sampled color from the image, underneath the painting. Of course, a texture was added using various blending modes to finish off the effect.