I was just popping thru and I Have to say that Painter 6 rocks! I use Photoshop and Painter equally. It's image hoses are superior to anything on the market. The pattern pens are incredibly useful. Photoshop has nothing like its FX brushes native to the program. A toy??? Not likely. Since Painter 6 transformed the way it handles layers to match Photoshops it has become the Perfect complementary program to Photoshop itself. Like you Jim I find Painters mask system confusing and retreat to Photoshop for that kind of work. But I have to say that I find it no more confusing than when I first took up Photoshop lo these many years ago. But like Pam says.. to each their own. I wouldnt willingly do without it. But I also wouldn't willingly be without Photoshop either. And sings? Yes it sings to me strongly and with a clear voice ;) Tartan