Ah... I definitely like v2.0 even more than 1.0. Nicely done again, Lisa.
You obviously don't need my help in moving forward, but here's another .04 cents worth anyway just to keep the thread alive!
Try...
* Duplicating your working layer...
* Use your favorite blur tool, e.g., Dust & Scratches, Median, Gaussian, Smart Blur, etc., to blur the top layer a little.
* Create a layer mask for the blur layer and selectively apply the blur to the detail layer below via low pressure air brush. I've found this approach to be a subtle method of subduing the sometimes obvious and obnoxius uniformness of filter application.
Another method you're probably familiar with that comes in handy on occasion...
* Take a snapshot of the original color layer or a desaturated version of same
* Set new snapshot as the History source.
* Create a new top layer
* Use the History brush tool set at low opacity and choose a brush of your liking and lightly paint on "color" (or grays) where needed from the snapshot. This enables filling areas that need it with grayscale or color strokes.
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SOURCE OF INSPIRATION
Have you been to the action exchange site at adobe.com? There are dozens of freeware .atns devoted to creating "photo art" (as well as just about anything under the sun).
Some of the .atns are pretty lame; others are quite amazing in their creative use of filters, blends, etc. to achieve (more-or-less realistic) arty images. Dissecting some of these .atns (bad ones as well as good ones) opened a whole new dimension for me as far as filter / blend possiblities are concerned. It's been a real eye opener (in good sense).
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Anyway, this is great fun (for me) anyway. Thanks for sharing your successes, Lisa.
~DannyR~