Nice to see this thread come back to life. There are obviously differing opinions, but in my opinion, this style of retouching takes considerable talent to achieve.

David

Originally Posted by PixelPurfect in my opinion, this style of retouching takes considerable talent to achieve.

I agree with you, but there's more to it than talent. Versions 2 and 3 below took the same amount of talent (= technical
skill at retouching), but they reflect considerable differences in aesthetic taste and judgment.

Originally Posted by Peano I agree with you, but there's more to it than talent. Versions 2 and 3 below took the same amount of talent (= technical skill at retouching), but they reflect considerable differences in aesthetic taste and judgment.

And I agree, but there is also a great difference in appeal, sensation and mood. Art is still in the eye of the beholder, no matter how we try and manipulate the admirer.

Originally Posted by PixelPurfect Art is still in the eye of the beholder, ...

... which is to say, in the beholder's aesthetic taste and judgment.

Fair enough...

Since this is the norm in some areas for this type of hobby, I don't think they are all done by hand, spending hours to complete. There is some software and or workarounds than enables one to do these with relative ease. Ever see those oil paintings advertised, painted by hand etc? There they use an assembly line where each station/ stop has one element done before it goes to the next. each person has their one expert part to apply and they do it over and over all day long to thousands of paintings.
Have you tried inquiring on some of their "forums" ? Ask some of the moms, they may have an idea or two on what it takes. Maybe you could even google it. It is a niche market. Please let us know if you find the answers you want. I am curious as well, but not interested in actually doing this . I am betting they may begin with a filter built right into PS, some of these vendors may not be what you could call regular photographers.