How was this cosplay image taken and processed?

Can anyone describe how this imagewas processed? It's not mine so I didn't post the actual image but I'd like to get some insight into how this look was achieved? What type of processing was done?

Here's what I think The background was replaced and it looks like it was a 1 light shot. The light flare was added in post. What I don't know is how the "painterly" effect and tone was done. This was taken by a popular cosplay photographer - not all the work has this type of processing done but I think they select a few images to really work on.

Maybe:
http://www.photoshopes​sentials.com …ects/watercolor​-painting/
https://www.youtube.co​m/watch?v=IjUlm174rOI
http://www.simonstratf​ord.com/oil-painting-in-photoshop/
or:
http://10steps.sg …gital-painting-tutorials/

Taking a look though his site there are a few pics that gives you hints. It looks as if the models were shot in studio and the backgrounds created using a whole lot of different techniques. So, lots of different techniques, lots of photoshopping. Oh, and he seems to shoot a Canon.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net …741349196_46794​0145_n.jpg
https://sphotos-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net …081350062_15935​5338_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net …453777225_26195​5455_n.jpg

http://www.renderosity​.com/
Put yourself on their mailing list for new tutorials daily.

Thanks, folks! Great reading. We'll see if I have more questions.