I thought i'd have a quick play and go extreme. I've cropped the front grass out completely, the yellow signpost and some of the road on the left, also removed the power line and round concrete thing from the right. it's not everyone's cup of tea but I like the high structure and contrast...
if you upload one of the photos you are trying to emulate again we would have a better idea of the final effect you want to gain, that said, here is what color efex 4 can do:
not sure if that is pastelly/painty enough for you needs, but you can download a trial of the Nik Collection here...
I dont usually photograph people at all, I'm rubbish at it, but this little boy at a music festival was just too animated not to. Not in my comfort zone at all, but quite pleased with them really considering