I just upgraded my photo editing software, Paint Shop Pro, from Version 6 to Version 9, and I've been playing with some of the "Artistic Effects".  Normally, I don't much care for modified / enhanced photos, but I've got to admit that some of the results are fairly interesting.  What do you think?  My favorite effect is "enamel", but I've also used "contours", "brush strokes", and "topography".  (Note -- after applying the effect, I've also typically enhanced the color saturation).  Scroll on or jump to abstract variations of a few favorite models:  Ashton, Brooke, Jennifer, Jessica, & Victoria.  

(Click on an image to see a pop-up of the original image)

Artistic Variations Of Ashton 

Artistic Variations Of Brooke 

Artistic Variations Of Jennifer 

(Note:  most of the images on this page are modified color digital images, but this image started as a B&W film image.) 

Artistic Variations Of Jessica 

(The above image was originally a B&W image) 

(The above images were originally B&W images) 

Artistic Variations Of Victoria 

I'm really curious to hear from you about these images.  Do you have a favorite image?  Do you have a favorite effect?  Should I continue playing with these effects, or are the images best as pure "straight" photographs?  Please let me know.