First, apply Gaussian blur to copy of the original image. Apply mask and paint in blur to deep background and some foreground.
step 2 of 7
On separate layers, paint streaks and circles in greens and yellows with soft brush, low opacity. Apply Gaussian blur to some layers, and different blending modes (multiply, screen, overlay, soft light) on other color layers.
step 3 of 7
Mask "elf baby" and repair skin where leaves had overlapped.
step 4 of 7
step 5 of 7
To restore transparency of some skirt layers and veil, use pen tool to isolate, create new layer, change hue to eliminate original background, turn down opacity to create transparency.
step 6 of 7
step 7 of 7
A screen shot of the various paint layers before flattening.