I am betting I am not the first to say they do not like the digital art effect. Looking at the composition of the shot I feel it likely would have done much better without the effect. Good luck in the challenge.
For me the processing has removed this image from the category of photography to digital art, and seems to be a case of manipulation for the sake of it. I would be interested to see the original photo, and to read your notes on what your aim was with the processing.