Realism

A few days ago a student asked me how to make something look more realistic.  I wasn't really able to help, but I realized later, when I was faced with the problem in my own work, that the answer is texture.  Whether it's created with filters, blends or layer effects, texture is what "flat" images lack, and what "realistic" images are rich with.

So, in an attempt to create a more realistic bulldog, while still retaining its artistic beginnings, I went looking for texture.

I found it in two different places:  a fur effect (tutorial), and the motion blur filter.

Sounds simple, right?  Took a bunch of trial, error and experimentation.