Figured out a better way to create a reference template to feed into G'MIC's Packed Ellipse preset to create these type renders. Inching closer the the Ben Heine result I'm going for, but still it eludes me. Yes; lost my marbles many years (well to be honest, decades) ago, but continue to fine them while as I search. lol
I'm new here, so I'm not sure what the etiquette is for sharing critiques. So feel free to critique my critique.
In looking at your image, the effect you used seems to be louder than the image itself. The base image is fine if that's what you want to use, but I would tone down the marble effect filter to let the original image come through more. Its about balance. Right now the balance seems to be more about the effect than the image.
Then in terms of the image, my personal opinion is it could use a little more breathing room. The crop feels tight.