[DannyRaphael]

Here's a technique posted by Lynda Logan, another of our regulars. This method makes use of Photoshop's History Brush.

The original image is attached to this post; the "after" in the next.

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This is the view from our apartment [in Korea]. This is more a pen and ink [technique], than a watercolor, but the process is so easy.

These are the steps used to create this effect.

1. Duplicate the Background

2. On the duplicate layer, Blur > Smart blur: edge only, 51 radius, 85 threshold. These settings will vary with each image.

3. Image > Adjustments > Invert

4. From the tool palette choose the History brush tool.

5. Brushwise you'll need a large, soft-edged brush. Blend = Normal, Opacity ~ 20%, Opacity ~ 40%.

6. Brush back detail and color until you achieve the desired effect.

7. Add a Hue / Saturation adjustment layer and adjust saturation (+30 for a little color boost.

8. Finally add a Levels adjustment layer; move Left slider toward right to further enhance colors.

~Smiles~
Lynda

[DannyRaphael]

Pen and Ink-like result.

Remember...
* Results will vary depending on variables such as Smart Blur settings, image resolution, how much is restored from using the History Brush.

Keep experimenting!