is the name of a
Bitmap Graphics Software package used to create natural-looking artistic images using a
Computer . Originally available on the
Macintosh , it is now also available for
Windows . Using a
Graphics Tablet , the user is able to create remarkably realistic images freehand, with the package simulating a wide range of classical effects such as
Watercolor and
Oil Paint s, as well as a wide range of unique effects and filters. Resulting imagery can be printed on any printable media including paper or canvas.
was originally developed for the
Macintosh system by Mark Zimmer and John Derry, founders of the
Fractal Design Corporation . ''Fractal Design'' later merged with
RayDream , then with
MetaTools to become
MetaCreations . Metacreations sold off all their creative interests and ultimately became
ViewPoint ; makers of the ''ViewPoint Media Player'' frequently packaged and silently installed within adware packages (it plays the videos at the top of your AIM buddy list). ''Painter'' was temporarily rebranded ''
Procreate Painter'' during its transition into the ''Corel'' Suite of applications, and is now wholly owned and marketed by the
Corel Corporation .
In 2005 Corel released ''
Painter Essentials 3''; a third-generation replacement for ''Fractal Design's'' ''
Dabbler '' which was a scaled-down version of ''Painter'' developed for home users.
As of 2006 Painter is currently at version Painter IX.5.
It is highly recommended to use a
Wacom Intuos or
Cintiq tablet to make use of the full power of this program. Also check out the ''Painter WOW!'' series of books if you'd like to learn technique, and search the web for well-known painter gurus and creators
Mark Zimmer and
John Derry to find out more about ''Painter'''s history.
once came packaged inside an actual paint can.
's vector-based twin was called ''
Expression '', which after the breakup of ''
Fractal Design Corporation '' was bounced around company to company in much the same way, eventually finding itself in the hands of
Microsoft under the code name ''
Acrylic ''.
Microsoft Expression beta is currently (2006) available on
Microsoft 's website as a free download.
