Stumped by this Liquid Line Effect (Artwork Attached)

[zakattack423]

I can't recreate the red lines that warp over the blue sections.

Currently I've been creating 2 gradient maps (red/yellow, red/blue) and merging the blue areas into the red/yellow gradient map. Then futilely trying to art brush mix/liquify/smudge the outer red into the blue areas.

I'd think it's liquify based on the angularity of the lines but then I don't know how the artist maintained the integrity of the sections/blending of the reds with the blues. I suppose you could have a red outer circle in a separate layer, liquify it into lines over the underlying blue areas, sample all layers, blend with smudge(?)

Thanks all!

 

[IamSam]

Hello and welcome.

Can you please take this smaller version and add an arrow pointing to the area you're asking about? Thanks.