In my opinion Virtual Painter is best used to create image-enhancing layers rather than to flat-out modify your original image. Using the "pastel" feature to create a hue layer can really punch up an image's vividness, for example, in ways that merely turning up the saturation won't do. The problem with the oil painting and some of the other modules is that if you simply accept their transformations at 100% strength, those in the know will recognize what plug-in you used, and be more likely to be dismissive, as it looks like a simple plugin did your work for you, rather than thoughtful consideration of process. When I used it, I found VP to be a very powerful tool. I just wouldn't recommend using the effects "out of the box" as it were. I like using Photoshop more in the spirit of a paintbox than as sort of a magical robot. VP can be an E-Z "make art" toy if you like, but the results will not be nearly as impressive as if you use it as just one of many tools in your arsenal. And yeah, the Poser Sketch Designer doesn't get the workout it deserves. The default colored pencil setting is one of the best of the defaults. Playing with the settings is wise. Don Albert's presets at DAZ are very fine. The "Sketchbook Sketch Designs" package includes an alternate colored pencil preset, as well as the lovely Coquille Color present.