ArtRage 2.5: Tom’s Budget Software Pick

ArtRage from Ambient Design is a drawing program that mimics the way an artist’s tools work in the real world. ArtRage lets you work with oils, pencils, chalk, crayon, markers, and other media. You can thin, mix, and blend colors, either before you put them on the canvas or after. ArtRage also offers stencils, rulers, and image tracing to help you plan and design your work. You can even pin a reference image to the canvas.

In addition to drawing tools, ArtRage supports layers as well as Photoshop layer blends. You can import and export PSD (Photoshop) files, with all layer information intact. You can choose the type of canvas you’re working on, including grain, color, and even metallic surfaces.

ArtRage has an easy-to-use interface that won’t get in the way of your creativity. Take the free starter edition of ArtRage for a spin; you can upgrade to the full version at any time.

ArtRage is $25.00. A free starter edition is available.

See other software choices from Tom’s Budget Software Picks.