[Bottom Knocker]

My wife has been using Paintshop Pro the last few years.. I recently started messing around..You can do alot with this program..

Heres a sample of her handiwork:

 

[JimDE]

Adobe Elements would be one low cost route but no where near the versatility of Paint Shop Pro

 

[Jim C]

After using Corel Paint, Paintshop, and Elements, I haven't found much difference between them. I now use Elements 5 and am very happy with it..happened to be at the right place at the right time and got a great deal on it.. I have no immediate need to upgrade to the present offering and from what I am seeing..unless one is into serious graphic development Elements has all one would ever need..please understand these comments are my opinion

 

[FishStu]

You can download Serif PhotoPlus free here :Free Image & Photo Editing Software Download - PhotoPlus SE

It's VERY similar to Photoshop and you really can't complain about the price.