DAZ provides a free version of Daz Studio 4. Get it, try it, have fun.

Most Poser content can be used in DS4 (with some adjustments). Poser Dynamic Clothes, Dynamic Hair and Material Shaders cannot be used in DS4 at all.

Another benifit of DS4 is that it has an inbuilt bridge to Bryce (DAZ 3D landscape / environment program).This allows you to send a scene from within DS4 direct to Bryce.

DAZ provides a free version of Bryce that you can play with also. Warning - Bryce has an unusual interface and strange way of doing things that takes some time to get use to.

Also you may want to get The Gimp (a free 2D paint program that is equivalent to Photoshop) for doing post work, touching up renders, adding some sparkles, etc.

BTW don't bother looking for that magic "make art" button in any of these products.

Have fun and don't be afraid to experiment.....Hmmm I wonder what this little red button does? Woops! Computer melt down. LOL.