I thought this picture (courtesy of Ron D.) had great possibilities, so I decided to do some experimenting with it. At Ron's request I hammered out the steps.

The attachments:
* Before
* Sketch (after)
* Layers Palette snapshot
* How to steps
* Impressionist custom settings (.set) for step 18

Software used:
* Photoshop 7
* Microsoft Impressionist plugin

Why bother?

In my opinion Photoshop's Colored Pencil, Charcoal, Chalk and Charcoal filters by themselves come up pretty short. When used in combination among themselves and especially if supplemented by effects rendered by Impressionist, I believe results can be achived that are considerably more interesting that what's possible with the standalone Photoshop filters.

Thanks, Ron, for the opportunity to have fun with your doggie.

~Danny~

Danny, thanks for posting this. :bigthmb:

I downloaded your settings, and used the pencil sketch - mono/detailed for this image. After running Impressionist, I used the Fade command, and set the blend mode to luminosity.

First one is the original, second is my rendition. This image was part of a challenge for another group I participate in.

Patricia

uh, the pictures loaded backwards - first is my rendition, second is the original.

Patricia: That effect on this pic turned out great.

Thanks for giving it a go and sharing your results.
~Danny~

The dog is a Newfoundland(Newfie). I've lost the orig. post. My version:

Low gaus. blur
Posterize about 10
Glass and rough pastel filters

Danny, thanks for this -- I used your sketch method on this photo I took about a bajillion years ago. (I left out the part about airbrushing the tongue ;) )

dc

Danny, thanks for this -- I used your sketch method on this photo I took about a bajillion years ago. (I left out the part about airbrushing the tongue ;) )

dcA positively great image to start with, dc... Simply priceless. I concur with your decision to leave out the tongue airbrushing. Artist's discretion, you know! (LOL)

Glad you liked the results. I do, too.

Danny, your dog sketch is a keeper! Patricia, you nailed the colored pencils. Kiska, very beautiful, but I'm thinking more watercolor/ink than sketch; and dc, I love that photo to begin with, and your sketch is wonderful.

Danny has given us so many great Impressionist presets. I installed this one, but I played with all of the sketchy ones, lots of layers and came up with this. It's an apple tree from Stock Xchange.

(Link to a larger res version: http://www.pbase.com/image/54087466 )

White Ibis "Impressed."

Steve