Just shared my review of programs that I use to convert photos to art. Thought I would share the review with you all.

http://windowssecrets.com/forums/showth ... rks-of-art

Hi lylejk.
Among the programs that you recommend, there are some I didn't know at all until now, so thanks for the information.

Regarding PicPaks, I have just taken a look at the sample images posted in the developer's homepage and I have been impressed by the beauty of the effect produced, but it is still not entirely clear to me whether the program is totally free or not, as "Store" and "Purchase" buttons appear there (sorry, I am writing from my phone at the moment, so I have some difficulty in properly viewing the visited sites).

Totally free (well, you do have to register for the site to get to download the program as I recall). I did purchase some of the tiles (but that was my choice). I've also created plenty of custom ones for my own use. Again, the program itself won't cost a dime. Not sure how long Johnny's going to keep this business model though since he's going to soon add toning/color matching options (keep in correspondence with him).

Lyle,
you may like also XnSketch (if you didn't try it already...)

Ok, thanks for the clarification.

Also, since it seems to me that one of your favorite activities of image manipulation is to create digital photo collages, I think you might be interested in trying a program such as Andreamosaic as well:
http://www.andreaplanet.com/andreamosaic/

Well aware of andreamosic Gino; I've used other photomosaic programs in the past as well. One of my favorites (slow as all get out; paid around $35 for it on sale and had some much fun with it as well as made birthday gifts with it) is Artensoft's Photo Collage Maker. Yes, I've held back on you, but like I said to you before, I've probable forgotten about more tools then most people would have cared to know. lol



http://www.artensoft.com/ArtensoftPhotoCollageMaker/

Though a photo-mosaic creator is likely too complicated to implement in the form of a simple plugin, it would be very nice, however, to have any such filters working directly from within GIMP. Considering its proven capabilities and potentiality, I wonder if G'MIC, for instance, will be able in the future to provide a filter aimed to accomplish this task, beginning from collections of cliparts or thumbnails.