Ive been searching the net to find some styles i would like to emulate i have a few pics here:
http://www.pbase.com/shariwb/image/77670805
http://www.pbase.com/shariwb/image/44901697
any ideas of how to go about recreating this very smooth painted look.

I started a new thread so the replies would not get lost among the critiques of your smudge painting efforts.

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The short answer is, "No, this isn't smudge painting" per se.

Smudge Painting is typically associated with a style achieved by using the Smudge tool in programs like Photoshop, Paint Shop Pro, Elements, etc. to render the oily-painted effect.

The method Sheri uses appears to be based on Corel Painter and is similar to techniques taught by Jeremy Sutton, Carrie Woeck, Marilyn Sholin and Jane Conner-Zizer.

See:
* http://www.paintercreativity.com/
* http://www.carriewoeck.com/
* http://www.msholinprosales.com/shop/software.html
* http://www.janesdigitalart.com/jdas/portfolio.php?portfolio=./Paintings

Painter has its own collection of brushes that give one a LOT more options and control over the very basic Smudge tool. The foundation of the method in Painter is known as "cloning," which can be very loosely compared to using Photoshop's Art History, History or Stamp brushes which use a History State as a pixel source. One uses a combination of Painter's "cloner, "blender" and regular brushes to achieve the desired result.

Does this help?

Thanks danny i think you know everything :)
i actually have painter but have never really used it maybe i will give it a try.

He certainly does!~
Danny is an encyclopedia of knowledge and so generous to always help!
AmieBear, You will have alot of fun with painter.
Photoshop is wonderful too like Danny mentioned. I do most of my paintig in Painter becauise to me it is set up for painting and allows you to start painting right away without having to go thru a couple more steps that you have to to with Photoshop. But...that being said Photoshop does some amazing painting effects too! Good luck and most of all relax, give yourself patience and have fun! It is addicting.
Carrie

Thanks for replying carrie im a big fan of your work.