Painter software recommendation: Like many of us, as an amateur, I've toyed with the idea of turning my photos into some sort of art form such as using a software program either to...

Photomac Loc: The Dalles, Or

Like many of us, as an amateur, I've toyed with the idea of turning my photos into some sort of art form such as using a software program either to directly activate a style, ie impressionism or European oil painting. I've looked at Corel, but they have so many versions, its hard to understand what you are getting. I would also enjoy learning how to do the conversion by hand using various brush strokes etc.

Are there any such aficionados out there that have an opinion they'd like to share??

Hamltnblue Loc: Springfield PA

Google photo to painting software.
You’ll find several. A couple are free.

CPR Loc: Nature Coast of Florida

This is doable in Photoshop.

artBob Loc: Near Chicago

While I would not "fake" a painting from a photo and hope to get into a fine art gallery, if you want to use your photos as a basis for selling online or at a popular art gallery, I have found Photoshop good. Attached are a few illustrations I've done. It has a variety of "Filters" that mimic artistic techniques, best used, for me, in combinations appropriate for the image. This is a minor use for me, of a great program for everything photographic.

(Download)

Soul Dr. Loc: Beautiful Shenandoah Valley

Painter Essentials by Corel is a pretty good paint program. I have it, it lets you create your own artwork or transform your photos into art by using various mediums, such as oil paint and water color.
It is fairly easy to use and does not cost a lot.

will

Photomac Loc: The Dalles, Or

Thank you all for your prompt response this morning. I'll try some of them for sure.

dfrodin Loc: Colorado Springs, CO

I have Corel Painter, which will allow you to do what you are envisioning, but it is too large of a program to start out with. You should check out Corel Painter Essentials version 7 to start you on your journey. It is available for $49 from Corel with a 30 day money back trial period. This program should be used with a graphics tablet to take advantage of its various brushes. Good luck!!!

via the lens Loc: Northern California, near Yosemite NP

Topaz has programs that do a decent job. Try them for free for a limited number of days. Your success depends on your ability to use the program and its tools. It will take some practice and a good eye for art to turn out nice prints using these tools.

bleirer

Photomac wrote:

Like many of us, as an amateur, I've toyed with t... (show quote)

I'm wondering which software you currently use or already have?

GustyWinds

artBob wrote:

While I would not "fake" a painting from a photo and hope to get into a fine art gallery, if you want to use your photos as a basis for selling online or at a popular art gallery, I have found Photoshop good. Attached are a few illustrations I've done. It has a variety of "Filters" that mimic artistic techniques, best used, for me, in combinations appropriate for the image. This is a minor use for me, of a great program for everything photographic.

The cat worked out very nicely!

via the lens Loc: Northern California, near Yosemite NP

Here is an example of some Topaz effects. The border would be from ON1. The text from PS in the example shown. All effects were Topaz except for the middle image, which might have been from some other program, can't really recall. There are so many programs available that are fairly easy to work with. If you are on a Mac go to the Apple store and look at those programs, which are very inexpensive.

(Download)

Peterfiore Loc: Where DR goes south

Photomac wrote:

Like many of us, as an amateur, I've toyed with the idea of turning my photos into some sort of art form such as using a software program either to directly activate a style, ie impressionism or European oil painting.

Turning photos into an art form?...you have that ability before you trip the shutter. Any camera is capable of producing "art". It's all in how you see.

markie1425 Loc: Bryn Mawr, PA

Photomac wrote:

Like many of us, as an amateur, I've toyed with t... (show quote)

And I like to convert some of my images to resemble Edward Hopper's paintings.

For that I use one of two JixiPix products, either Spektrel or Portrait Painter. Available on both Mac and PC platforms.

Here are some of mine via YouTube:

[url] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LKsPwP4Dnk[/ur1]

StanMac Loc: Tennessee

[quote=markie1425]And I like to convert some of my images to resemble Edward Hopper's paintings. . . . . . .Here are some of mine via YouTube:

[url] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LKsPwP4Dnk[/ur1][/quote]

I want to tell you, Mark, those are some great street shots that stand on their own without the Hopper effect. I would like to see the series in classic black & white renderings. Wonderful documentary work.

Stan

sidpearce

Flame Painter is a very reasonable painting program that is worth trying out. Some of the different style brushes are fantastic. You can of course, try it out for nothing. You may be pleasantly surprised!!!