A Collaboration - NSFW

[Debbi]

While I can't take credit for the image (that would be Capt. Tom), I was at the shoot and took several. However, this was our client's fav so I tried a smudge painting. I've also included a close crop to show the details and the original. I never hurts to provide clients with options. What do you think? BTW, I would have put this in the Human Form but I'm more interested in C&C on the technique.

[MicWayWal]

Debbi,

I don't like it. It is too blotchy and overworked in one area and then under worked in an area right next to the over worked area. The space between them is soft, diffused, and fuzzy looking. It just looks like a bad retouching job. The created wall is too light. It causes your eye drifts into the area trying to find something to look at. Since the eye is looking for something all it finds is a blotchy wall. If you are going to leave the wall I would crop most of it out.

If you can get the same colors of #1 & 2, I like the original of all that you have shown. In the original you have a secondary subject of the glasses and shaker to balance the subject. I think you need a place for the eye to go for relief because of the problems you create with the pose of the woman.

[Debbi]

Michael, thank you for your honesty. I really appreciate that you took the time to detail what is wrong. I totally see the balance missing now and will work on the continuity. I'll start again, which is not a bad thing since I'm obviously new at trying this. But, I remember I day when I didn't know anything more than opening Photoshop. Practice, practice. Again, thank you.

[MicWayWal]

Originally Posted by Debbi

Michael, thank you for your honesty. I really appreciate that you took the time to detail what is wrong. I totally see the balance missing now and will work on the continuity. I'll start again, which is not a bad thing since I'm obviously new at trying this. But, I remember I day when I didn't know anything more than opening Photoshop. Practice, practice. Again, thank you.

Your welcome. You are on your way to 10,000 hours with PS.
Hint1: Paint things with texture. See how nice the rock walls look compared to the flat wall. It is easier to make things with texture look good painted.
Hint2: Better selections makes your work look better. Make the edge transitions of your selection match the natural transitions of objects in your image.