Photoshop Creative

I have a low rez image of my son with some Sled Dogs, he returns from Alaska Next week (I won't have access to a high rez version until after he returns home). I want to surprise him by making an artistic rendering of the image I have access to (the small low rez version). So far I have one version that is large enough to print 8x10 but I'm not sure I am happy with it. I'd like your creative help with ideas on how I might make a version that would work well as an 8x10 framed print - it does not need to be like my attempt.

Here is the original low rez image: http://www.prestophoto.com/photos/image/1628940/41574



Here is what I have so far - not sure I'm completely happy with it - I'd be interested in other ideas, other versions, etc.... Made with Painter Essentials, Topaz Adjust POP, PSE Angled Brush filter, PSE photo adjustments.

http://www.prestophoto.com/photos/image/1628939/41574

I think you are on the right track.
Low res or even blurred snapshots can often be turned into pretty nice sketches or, as you seem to be headed, something "impressionist".

Rusty

Can we download the original to play with it!!

(suzi - he has a link to the original, low res file in the first post. )

skyfisher, I don't know how this will print because I hardly ever print anything. But I did do a similar project with low res files to 5x7 size. My trick was to either use Topaz Buzz Simplify for a painted look, or to make more of a scrap book page. That way the page is big, but the picture(s) still rather small. Anyway, I tried one for fun:



I used Geoff's impressionist tutorial, which I found here:
viewtopic.php?f=18&t=4129#p47710

I left out the underpainting step though, and I added a vignette.

Courtney

Thanks Rusty, that was what I was thinking. And Yes, anyone please feel free to download the original image with the link and play with it as you see fit.

Thank you Courtney, that is a neat effect.

skyfisher, this may not be what you are looking for but i hope you like it any way.


I also put it on pixentral if you want a 8 x 10 copy.

I do Judy, Thank you. That gives me more ideas on how to artistically increase the size with style.

Tom

that is a small image to work on, how did you enlarge for an 8x 10 print??

Skyfisher, what you already have looks great! And. the ideas that have been suggested are nice as well!
I love the image. It is so different from what I usually see here in the plains of hot Texas.

Made a few changes: lighten the face & added a vignette.

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more of a high key idea: brightened some of the image & added cyan/blue to some shadows

(I always enjoy an opportunity to offer ideas. )