Good started photo manipulation software?

Question

Does anybody know where i can download either a free version or a free trial of a photo manipulation program that can give me the ability to change a photo so that it looks like a very detailed oil painting, or something along those lines? There are so many gorgeous pictures like that I find all over places like Deviant Art but I have absolutely no idea how to even begin to make them.

Answer 1

The Gimp is powerful, useful and free!  Check it out at Gimp.org.

-Chad.

Answer 2

faststone.org

Answer 3

I would try Gimp.  It has a learning curve, but it is free.

http://www.gimp.org/

Edit: Posted before the additional information was posted, sorry.