Hello,
May I ask what software many of you use to accomplish your digital art with? I am looking at a few pieces of software trying to decide which one to get. As this is my first foray into digital art, I would appreciate advice from this forum. Here is what I want to accomplish with the images I take:
1. have an automatic process of converting the image to a watercolor, oil or acrylic painting.
2. to be able to vary what I see from this automatic process.
3. to eventually learn how to paint digitally at some point using the previous method as a learning tool for me.
4. to get the software at a reasonable cost in the event I decide not to pursue this avenue of expression.
5. to avoid software that requires a steep learning curve initially such as PS even though I use CS2 for my photography.

This is roughly what I am looking for and I have assumed that many of you have traveled a similar route to arrive at your level of expertise. You have no doubt used many different pieces of software along the way and could advise me which is the best software to use based on my stated objectives above. I truly do need some help here and will be most appreciative of your suggestions. Thank you.

Kindest regards,

Tim

Painter is the standard for natural brush converting and they have something similar to Photoshop Elements that sells for under a hundred bucks. Within a few hours you will know how to get automatic painting effects, but be prepared for that steep and long learning curve if you want to make them look better than "automatic," paintings. That learning curve can also be fun if you are enjoying the process of learning to paint digitally. Good luck.

I agree with dadagallery on going with Painter. I have received free demo/download on Painter from ink cartridges that I have purchased so may be able to demo painter before purchasing. But CS is definitely more fun!!

Since I'm not sure I will continue with this avenue of expression I don't want to lay out a lot of money for software. I have CS2 and a friend has given me a gift of Painter Essentials 3, I thought this would be enough. I was going to get Artrage but tried it and found it confusing to use initially.
Is there a way to increase the number of brushes in CS2 as well as textures etc so it would be similar to Painter? May I ask what software you use to effect a painterly quality to your photographic images or do you use filters for PS? Thank you.

Tim

Gimp It's FREE, and from the home page you'll see a link for plugins ("Plug-in Registry") - more than what you're asking for. I've been using it for a few years.