Emulated Traditional Oil Painting, Digitally

[RedRyder]

Since the first time ive started doing portraits, ive been trying out different methods to give it a real painter feel while achieving photo realism. photo realism on its own is extremely difficult to achieve, so im not disappointed if i havent gotten there yet, but i think i reached the painted look im sooooooo happy i finally figured it out. I may be wrong, so ill let you guys decide

have i hit my goal?

instead of using multiple layers, blend modes, brushes, etc., i used a single layer the entire time, as well as the same brush, for the face. for the freckles i used a seperate layer on the soft light blend mode, as well as a separate layer for the hair. i had to do the two to add photo realistic elements. i didnt used the smudge tool, i never do really, but blended the colors naturally with painting. the brush itself mixes the colors as a real brush would if you didnt clean it out with water after every dab. hope you guys like it!

[Hiosahaf]

It wouldnt be wrong to say if I said that at first it seemed to me like it was computer generated...its that good!! Really great!

[Cascade]

Very nice looks exquisite.

[Vystirch]

Saw u doing this on FB. It looks great! I just don't know if you chose a more realistic brush size (larger) that it would appear more like a painting?... Just an idea....

[LwMark]

To pro man , to pro

[Zeus]

Constructive criticism:

It has a slight hint that makes it look computer generated. I believe you wanted it more realistic, yes? Perhaps adjusting the angel the "natural" light hits to give off a more painted look.