There are lots of third-party filters you can install for PSE that will turn your photos into watercolors, pencil drawings, oil paintings, etc.  My personal favorite is Topaz Simplify - I used it to turn this

into this

But you can also get some pretty neat effects using the tools already built into Photoshop Elements - here's one:

It's not really easy to give step-by-step instructions for something like this because the effects of the filters are going to be different depending on the size, features and colors in the photo.  But this will get you started:

  1. Duplicate the background layer
  2. On the duplicate layer, apply a little Gaussian blur (just enough to soften the edges)
  3. Go to Filter, Stylize, Find Edges
  4. Change the opacity of that layer to about 50%
  5. Alt-Ctrl-Shift-E to copy the result to a new layer
  6. Go to Filter, Artistic, Smudge Stick (Stroke Length=2, Highlight Area=2, Intensity=10)
  7. Reduce the opacity of that layer to 60%, change the blend mode to Linear Burn
  8. Go to Enhance, Lighting, Levels and move the middle slider to the left to lighten.

Experiment with each of the above steps (blending modes, opacity, etc.) until you find something you like.  Or just download a copy of Topaz Simplify :-)

 
Post is included in group: Photography
Post is included in group: Photography, Advanced
Post is included in group: Tech Corner
Post is included in group: Tips and Techniques for Better Real Estate Photography
Post is included in group: Photoshop Elements for Real Estate

12 Comments on Turn that photo into a painting ... with Photoshop Elements

APR
14
2010
215,224 Points 1 Featured Post Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Called Shot Master

I really like that Glenda. I need to spend a little more time and learn Photoshop Elements better than what I currently know.

Thank you
2:48pm • #1
2 Featured Posts

Thanks, Scott!  Your listing clients will love you for this!
2:50pm • #2

Great stuff, need to play with photoshop more.    Gives the house a different look.
9:19pm • #3
APR
15
2010
205,988 Points 3 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

You can also buy a tablet that has a pencil and brushes that really make it fun! 
4:45am • #4
215,262 Points 16 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I have to check out Topaz Simplify -- that is a beautiful representation of the original photo!
7:04am • #5
2 Featured Posts

Topaz Simplify is free to try for 30 days ... and here's more great news:  Simplify version 3 has just been released for $29.99 with coupon code "SIMPLIFYME" until 4/30! http://www.topazlabs.com/simplify

Be careful, though ... Topaz filters are like pistachios.  You won't be able to stop at just one!  I now own Topaz Adjust (I use it on almost everything), Topaz Denoise (invaluable for indoor/low light shots), Topaz Detail (for making photos pop) and, of course, Topaz Simplify. 
12:10pm • #6
104,625 Points

Nice post Glenda and nice job on the house.

I've used this technique in conjunction with a large format printer to create artwork to use in staging a home.  The nice thing about this is you can adjust the colors to match the color scheme in the house.
4:41pm • #7
2 Featured Posts

What a great idea, Don!  Thanks for sharing!
7:53pm • #8
APR
17
2010
107,941 Points 1 Featured Post Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

That looks like a lot of fun -- I want to try it!  I can see that gobbling up as much of my time as AR does!
5:33pm • #9
APR
18
2010
1,005,619 Points 13 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Very nicely done and I can see your example being printed on a high quality color laser and given to a new homebuyer as a keepsake / gift. 
3:29pm • #10
APR
23
2010
2 Featured Posts

Melanie - it *is* fun!  And, if you use a 3rd-party filter like Topaz Simplify, it takes no time at all!

Sam, I keep meaning to do that :-)
11:22am • #11
JUL
03
2010
Attended Rain Camp

Glenda, nice job and great tip.
4:53pm • #12


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Glenda Cherry / Realtor / Photographer

Herndon, VA

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Keller Williams Realty

Address: 11700 Plaza America Dr #150, Reston, VA, 20190

Office Phone: (703) 679-1700

Cell Phone: (703) 587-3615

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