Smart Blur

This photo of a Japanese statue on the grounds of the
McNay Art Museum is a reject from that photo session
because of the huge shadow.
Instead of fixing it in PhotoShop, I jacked-around with
some of the various effect filters available.
This is 'Smart Blur', and I configured it to leave the
subject alone while making the background look almost
like it was painted.
I have used the effect several times, and while it's no
substitute for good photographic technique there are
some situations when it can help you create the
exact 'look' you are going for.