Okay, I know I'm not Oceanna, but I saw this and thought I'd throw in my 2 cents, for what it's worth.

I only do web/graphic design as a hobby, but I recently started doing digital scrapbooking as well, so I'm familiar with several graphics programs, though I do have to admit, I don't know about Artrage.

The first program I started with was Paint Shop Pro, and learned to do a lot with it. Then I was finally able to get a copy of Photoshop 7, which I still have. I have upgraded my Paint Shop Pro to 9 (because, apparently, Jasc, the maker, sold to Corel, and it's changed a lot). I love bothing both. I find some things better in one program than in another, and vice versa. My first version of Paint Shop Pro was purchased for about 80 bucks. My newest version was like 40 (on eBay).

You might be able to find it on eBay. Another option is PhotoShop Elements (PSE). It doesn't contain all the fancy stuff on the fullblown Photoshop, but still useful features. I know a lot of scanners and printers come with it nowadays (so you may not need to purchase it). Also, I don't know if PSE works with a Wacom.

Anyway, thought I'd share. (Although, for the record, I would love a copy of CS, but I can dream..... ^_^)

ah well I should have started my post with a bit more context. Oceanna has PSP and is obviously quite proficient. My suggestion on another post was that the time and steps she goes through to create her beautiful and detailed designs for gallery glass could possibly be simplified by using a tablet ... I was awestruck that she designed in PSP "freehand" with a mouse.

As I said, I wouldn't recommend going to another software program if she already knows how to use PSP-- but I artrage tooks very cool for lots of applications well beyond her design templates. I'd expect any graphics program would provide similar limitations when creating from the mind with a mouse.

However, I work all day and all night (and until recently all weekend) on a computer using my left brain.. so when I use my right brain, I prefer to use my hands on paper, wood, etc rather than on a keyboard or mouse. It might be my perpective.. clearly Oceanna wasn't limited by her tools! Her work is awe inspiring.

Funky, thank you! I'll check out that Artrage link you posted. I used to work on an incredible illustration program at work, but it was Boeing-made s/w to address the particular technical illustrating job. It's not available to the public. Further, we used it on SGI and with a button box and a dial box in addition to the mouse and keyboard. I don't have a huge budget or a frequent need for it, so the Artrage may fill the bill.

Nonchalant, thank you too... I do PS9 but what I'm sometimes needing is a way to line draw circles, ovals, lines, etc... like to design a stained glass window, for instance.... so more of a drawing program?

Anyone else have a favorite inexpensive drawing program?

The only ones I know of are in the adobe and corel suites-- and pricey. I'd send you my dvds if I had them-- I don't use them anymore and someone should get some benefit of the licenses. I do have Photoshop though.

Small world. Our career paths crossed ever so slightly. I worked for an airline for many years in the reliability dept-- and I started out in IT/custom software development as a tech writer. My education is in science but I always wanted to be a scientific illustrator-- I just never stood still long enough to develop my skills. I finally started painting again two years ago (at 42) after more than 25 years away from it.

Anyhow-- let me know about Artrage if you give it a try. I have way too many projects going right now on top of some pretty serious work and family/pet obligations so I won't be playing with it soon... maybe in a few months.