Color grading in Los Angeles Times.

Looking at some of the photos in the LA Times I have noticed they have a way of grading the photos that give them a very painterly quality. The lighting on the faces seems to glow the colors feel like oil painting. The tonality is unique. It is not realistic but looks really good.   Not all LA times photos are graded this way - only a handful in a week.

Was wondering if anybody knew what techniques one would use to get a photo to have this look?