I'm a photographer that feels confident in knowing the technical aspects of the camera and light. I have always been afraid to try something other than technically correct photos. My attempt at something different.
Process:
1. I did a tonal contrast with Nic software
2. added a bit more grain in photoshop
3. Ran a noise reduction software to get the smudgy painting look.
Not bad for been the first try. I can tell you have the touch, because you didn't over do it. The tone is perfect. Perhaps the pink clouds are a little overexposed, specially the ones on top. I you were to sell this as a digital art, I would remove the cars on the top left of the photo.
Try next time to download and use free for 30 days two filters from Topazlabs. SImplify 2, and Clean 2. Here is what you can do after you mix the filters effects:
I appreciate your response. You have some great work in your "More samples here"