As long as we're talking about graphics I'd like to tell you a little bit about Virtual Painter, by Jasc Software Inc. Now this is a product that's right up my alley! Impressive graphics without a lot of graphic talent. Virtual Painter is a set of plug-in filters. And boy, what they can let you do with an ordinary picture. First of all, I have to say that Virtual Painter works with Paint Shop Pro, Corel PHOTO-PAINT, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Elements, Ulead PhotoImpact, and any other graphics software that can handle Adobe compatible filters. And what's so cool about Virtual Painter? Well, it lets you create beautiful paintings with just a few, simple mouse clicks. I was truly impressed with the results. And, the program comes with some many possible variations and choices, you'll never get bored.

First of all, Virtual Painter gives you a large variety of "brush stroke filters" that you can use. These include effects like Drawing, Oil Painting, Color Pencil, Silk Screen, Watercolor, Gouache, Collage, Pastel, and more! You can see some small examples of collage, oil, and pastel in the screen capture. And remember, those are all created from digital pictures. Then, if all that weren't enough, Virtual Painter also gives you a variety of "surfaces" that you can put your paintings on. This gives you an even different effect depending on the surface you choose. Some of the backgrounds available include Canvas, Paper, Wood, Cork, Stucco, and Washi, which is a type of Japaneses handmade paper. With all these possibilities you can experiment and create all kinds of effects. For example, a picture that's using the oil painting effect on paper, have a different look if it's on canvas, or cork! I really loved the oil painting and watercolor filters, but all of them were totally fascinating to me. I found that by experimenting you can really come up with some wonderful effects! Virtual Painter, by Jasc Software Inc., is a truly a unique and fascinating product! To begin with, it works with a wide range of programs. And, it produces a amazing array of effects. With different brush stroke filter and background effects, you can experiment until you get just the look you want. The program is incredibly easy to install and use, and is very intuitive. And I found that the effects it lets you create are really astounding. Turn the scenery from your vacation into an oil painting and a picture of your children into a watercolor. It's so easy. So, if you're looking for some different and unusual effects to add to your digital photos, take a good look at Virtual Painter. Very nicely done!