Nice idea, but there are many places you didn't use the smudge tool. Also unless you go to the high resolution image you can't tell there was any smudging done. I would suggest smudging more and then running a paint daube filter over it. Also I would make a new layer fill it with black and set to color dodge. With a 5% opacity soft brush paint the highlights in the image. This will make it look more like a painting.

Really nicely done! Glad to see your work again.

Really nice one! I see in your sbs you paint in monotone before coloring. I never thought of doing it that way. Learning new things all the time.

Superb!!

Your warrior looks really good, but IMO the tunnel I think could use some more shading.

Interesting idea!

Really nice, I like the color pallet you've chosen. There is a bit of something leftover under her hair in the background. Other than that superb!

Really nice! I would prefer to see a bristle brush used with the smudge tool on hair though.

I like the renaissance feel on this one but I'm not sure about the tree and the oob effect. I think the helmet should still be oob though.

Nice imagination! I like the details as well.

I like your style!

Congrats ironcow! Deserved placing.

Overall nice image! There are some key points that distract from the whole image. There is a masking issue on the left side of the face and there are parts of the old mans hand and hair underneath your drawing. Good luck!

EDIT: Much better

Wow! I'm sorry this didn't place in the top three. I think it really deserved it.

You used R2D2, this should easily place top three!

I really appreciate the details on this. Also great idea for the background. Good luck!

Really nicely done author!

Congrats on your second! Really well done, and you barely missed first place.

LOL!! I have this exact source image on my desktop waiting to be edited for this exact contest. Looks like I'll be searching for a new source now. Good job, good luck!

Really nicely done author! Love it! Only thing I don't like is the transition between the ground and the background. Maybe a gradient mask to blend it together. Good luck!

EDIT: Looks better!

Really nice job with the shadow, and suitcase. I do agree with erikuri with the black point of the guy. Fix that and I see perfection ahead. Good luck!

I personally liked the blood sucking part better in step 4 or 5. Although I could see how that could interrupt the flow of the legs behind it. I enjoy the way you had the background fade to white, it really makes your subject POP! Good luck!

Amazing! This is something I would print for a wall. Your on FIRE!!

Really nicely done! Good luck!

OMFG! Magic! ...........................Your skills have seemed to have exploded within the last couple months.

superb job, especially like the detailed shattered rocks. Good luck!

Real work of art, congratulations!

One of your best!

Really nice! Good luck!

Really nice work here! I especially like the extra rays traveling through the bridge. Good luck!

I would've been cool if you had made the rocket from the tower which was already there. Nice entry and good luck!

I think the ash part of the picture should extend up higher instead of being squished. I would also fill the hole in the rope. Good luck!

The pole would benefit highly from being masked with the pen tool. The soft edges, dark background and hard light don't go together. Fix the edges and you have a nice piece. Good Luck!

Nice visualization of all the components! The rope has some masking issues and I would've expected them to be a bit more subtle. Good luck!

Really nice job here! I personally would've liked a mix of step 11(left one) and the final piece for the reflection. Regardless, a timeless piece. Good luck and Congrats.

Very nice indeed! Only a couple of nitpicks, the compartment door of the octopus. At that distance would it be in front or behind the guy? There are a couple of holes on the contraption mounted to the octopus behind the girl which you missed. I would also have to agree that the girls brightness distracts from the fluentness of the whole picture. Having said that, this is a really nice piece which will surely go to the favs. Congratulations and keep them coming.

edit: much better!

Actually the light is coming from the right, not the left. Unless you mirrored the image since erathion commented.

Well since you said something and you still have time, perhaps some of the grass in front of the wheels!

AMAZING!..................You've obviously already mastered the art.

You won't be able to get a better resolution for this entry unless you redo the whole thing. My comment was in regards to any other entries you hear on out. When I download the source picture I first click on the image and then you should have different size option. Always choose the highest image size even if it's not required in your entry. Good luck!

LOL! I did something almost identical to this and never submitted it. I think you did a really good job on the tractor although the background image sucks a bit of life out of your image. The grass isn't as sharp as the tractor and the bails shadows don't match the tractor's. With a little work this could be GREAT!. Good job and good luck!

Way better with the astronaut! Good luck!

it's too bad the source images weren't as clear as the water. Regardless a really nice piece. Good luck!

I don't think the fish needs to be changed since its surreal, but I do think the water needs a bit of work. The water would start at the edge of the frame, not the middle. Good luck!

Great job overall only nit pick would be the foot. I think it needs a bit of work. Good luck!

Nice job, just make sure to add the shadow from the frame. Good luck!

I think your on as far as the idea goes but technically there are place for improvement. First off, all of your source images are way too small. You must not of clicked on the sources picture to get the full resolution. I think the resolution is what really hurt the clarity on this. Second some of the masking needs a bit of work. I wish you luck and make sure you get the full resolution sources next time.

I would've likee to see the white level on the paper a bit higher and maybe a photo filter to pull it all together. Good luck!

Interesting idea here. I would've liked to see a higher resolution source for the elephant on the left. I liked the fact that you added the tree coming out as well, but it could use a touch up with a smaller brush. Good luck!

I really like the idea here, but I didn't really understand what was happening until I went to full view. I think its because you used different angles from the same shot. What I'm trying to say is it might look better if you didn't do different picture angles and instead used the normal shot and tried to make a glass box instead. I can visualize it in my head and would love to try it, but it was your idea and I wish you luck with it.