Hi Al! Welcome to the forum!!
Yes, I used Photoshop. Love it! I started with 2 solid layers...one darker than the other and used the Dry Brush filter under "Filter" on each layer. All the filters have sliders so you can make adjustments. Try all the filters you have and play with them. You may find a filter you either like more or can use with something else. Keep as much as you can on separate layers as that will give you the most flexibility...for instance there may be a time where you want to filter all of the background or just a part of it.
Let me know if that works or if it doesn't. I'm always more than happy to help. I'd love to see what you're working on!
Love your signature!