Help me decide

[rgs]

My last film excursion about 5 years ago produced really nice images but poor processing (I think) caused even the Velvia chromes to be far too grainy. I've tried several scans and software solutions but nothing seems to help these. So...it occurred to me that maybe I could use them in a more "painterly" way. The one of the small island has simply had some texture added. The one of the stream has been treated to an "oil painting" filter in PS but I used a layer mask on the stream because the brush strokes looked out of place there.

This is pretty strange for me, an old 4x5 zone system guy, but I think they may be worth experimentation. So I've attached them. Please tell me which you prefer (if any) and make any other comments that may help me think through this. Tell me what you think.

Thanks

[gerafotografija]

I have to say that I kind of like the oil painting effect.

It may just be my eyes, or the jpeg compression, but is there what seems like a bit of bokeh like blur in the "painted" portions in the background? Maybe something like smudging would create a look more in keeping with the paint media look? That's about the only thing that jumped out at me.

Interesting!

[SZRitter]

I'm not usually much for those types of effects, but I have to say, it really works on that second image. The first, not so much, but the second yes.

[Larry Heath]

The second 810 is very nice. I do like the effect.

[Les Sparks]

I also really like 810.
Les

[wolfnowl]

A definite yes to the last one.  The sunset shot just looks like a grainier version of the original. 

Mike.

[Iluvmycam]

I like 4, freaky!