I spoke to Jordan earlier, and he advised that I work on my textures a bit more to get a clearer paint build-up effect, which I definitely agree with, especially seeing as the test renders show the textures less clearly than they are in Photoshop. He also recommended that I use the AE painterly effect carefully, so it isn't too overpowering, making the animation look slapped together.

I tuned down the effect slightly so the edges are more controlled and less jumpy without being harsh.