I do paint like images using Photoshop and paint shop. The only tools I use are the brushes, primarily the airbrush, and the smudge tool to blend. I've tried painter, and while it does some nice things, it doesn't give me the paint like effects I want and the method of picking colors is a pain in the ass. You can do it in photoshop, and while I'm not crazy about the brush choices in Paint Shop, you can do it there as well.

Talent is God's gift to you. Using it is your gift to God.