Had a go at converting some pix I took a few years back into simulated watercolours of Crab Apple Blossom. 

I like trying different methods to diffuse the effect of sharpness.

I find that Paint Shop Pro's Salt and Pepper filter works well. Requires a little shuffling back and forth though to get the degree required.

Image is first reduced in size, then P & S filter is applied.
I can't make up my mind which is the better of pix 1 and 3.
I'll maybe have another go at the originals.