Colorization and restoration critique please

[crystaleyesd]

I have been keeping to the shadows here, reading, studying, and practicing. Concerning colorization tutorials, I have tried three different methods found from this site. The one I like best, and used for the photo linked below, is "Primary Colorization", a tutorial I found in a post by Vikki whose work inspires me. I would appreciate any comments and advice to improve results.

I posted my photo here: http://www.retouchpro.com/challenges...cat/654/page/1

Which I restored from: http://www.retouchpro.com/challenges...cat/654/page/1

I still have some questions. While I like the natural results achieved with Primary Colorization, I'm a bit frustrated as I can't seem to get the color range I want. Every image I've tried this with seems very pastel. Where's the emerald greens and velvety purples??? How can I get more vibrant colors like Vikki achieved here?:

http://www.pbase.com/vhansen/image/32576727

Still studying .......

Crystal

Post Edit 4-16-07: Adding attachment of my image as the links to the challenge area are currently not available. I would still love to have some critiques on how to improve as I'm not happy with my results

[albatrosss]

Don't know if this is any better but used levels and then used blending options a few times.

[crystaleyesd]

Thank you for your reply

I think you may be right that mine needs a Bit more saturation..........more contrast? It lacks vibrancy.

Do you the Primary Colorization method? Any ideas to get the vibrancy AS you paint?

[albatrosss]

I can't respond to your question since I don't know what the Primary Colorization Method is.

I do, however, pick and choose from the following tutorials and I don't seem to have a problem with color.

http://www.pixeladdiction.com/bb/art...ticle&artid=34

http://www.pixeladdiction.com/bb/art...ticle&artid=10

Hope this helps you.

If you have a problem accessing just use www.pixeladdiction.com

and use the tutorial tab when on site.

[crystaleyesd]

Apologize for the bad links as the challenge area is not currently available. I have edited my original post to include an attachment of my image.