Photoshop: Wisteria painting

I've never been able to get a decent watercolour effect out of the Photoshop 'watercolour' filter. Today I lightened the photograph first and got a fairly reasonable watercolour effect out of 'paint daubs' instead.

[Diana]

This is really stunning, love the effect and tones.

[Christine Louise]

Gorgeous effect, so soft and painterly

[Suzanne]

That is such an excellent outcome. Favourite

[Yao RL]

I love the result.

[Annie D]

beautiful

[Jennifer Eurell]

@ludwigsdiana @365projectclmutlow @ankers70 @yaorenliu @annied Thank you for your comments. I was quite happy with my 'fake' watercolour.