I think this could work as a sort of "pop-art" project, including the posterization, if you added some vibrant color. Just take it so far from the original subject that it becomes something else. Come to think of it, I don't even know what the original subject is anyway.

These are great, thx Hefty!!

Stunning! I like the tweak you gave to the castle.

...and she even smiled for you!

Great shot. Love the blue.

PP of the people shots is nicely done, IMO.

She's absolutely lovely.

I think we all want to enhance a model's best features, and in a woman it's usually eyes and lips (from the neck up). We wear mascara and lipstick for a reason!

Then play down the flaws, like wrinkles and dark areas. All that takes is some practice, without showing the results until you have it right, of course!

Intimidating maybe, but do those things, and the rewards are worth it!

An elegant picture.

I'm with Mike.
The second is better as far as color, but has been oversharpened I think.

I'm no Paulyrichard, but I played around with it because I thought it was a nice expression.

I used GIMP:

Auto white balance
Cloned away some marks/spots (not many)
Heal tool to help out under the eyes and forehead
Desaturate
Slight push in curves
Cloned away catchlights in the pupils
Burned midtones in the hair and lips
Burned highlights in the teeth (too bright) and shiny highlights in the skin
Dodged the eyes (they had become too black)
Crop on left side and bottom


This is only the second time I've fiddled with a portrait, so I'm no expert. I think her forehead could still be better.
(and it's a bit nerve-wracking to mess with and post someone else's portrait for some reason!)

I can't see it! And I really want to!