ArtMaster Pro

[Randcarlo]

Edited March 11th
News: The software distributor Avanquest.com/UK/ ( also known as www.gsp.cc) markets several Fo2PIX consumer products, both Photo Artmaster Classic and Silver. I split a copy of Photo ArtMaster Silver into files and it's bassically Buzz Pro2/160 sources and interface attached, Classic has about 40 sources.It's possible that they also hold the rights to ArtMasterPro. I would suggest that anyone with questions concerning AMP bombard Avanquest with emails and with enough interest; Avenquest might revive the program. Although that is possible, I have my doubts because the company seems to be based on gathering and marketing orphaned and old software titles. It does, however - have a US distribution site. In light of this, I recognize a legal entity may hold copyright on ArtMasterPro and accordingly I have edited this post.

How to activate:
-Choose to activate product by phone
-A new screen will pop up giving you your challenge code
- Enter a serial number into the program
-Program should be activated.
Good Luck

[skydog]

Any one had success getting this product installed on windows 7?

[Randcarlo]

Yes I've had success. This afternoon I installed ArtMaster Pro on an AMD Phenom 11 810 (D) 64 bit CPU machine with the Windows 7 Pro OS XPMode/VirtualPC and it functions flawlessly. So many good programs were written for XP 32 bit systems and the virtualization lets it run on a 4 core 64bit computer. Both amazing and wonderful. There's supposed to be a way to hack Windows 7 Home Premium to do the same thing, but instead, I bought the upgrade. There's several other XP programs I like, Deep Paint 3D and Jasc Paintshop Pro 7; so it should be worth the expense.

[pavel123]

I could not, crushes on installation. Still using XP machine for that. That's Home Premium; I have quiet a few 32bit programs running without a problem

[skydog]

No problem on XP, but getting an error every time I try to install on windows 7. I'll try again and write down the error...maybe someone has an idea. Randcarlo..your installation was sleamless without any problem?

[Randcarlo]

Careful Skydog - Remember Deck said the serials only work so many times. Don't try them again and again. Read his first post.


I wanted to run ArtMasterPro straight away without any problems. I've looked at the comparison charts for the different versions of Windows 7: only Professional, Ultimate and Enterprise can run XP Mode/Virtual PC. There are about 6 or 7 virtualization softwares, but I wanted it to be as painless as possible, I upgraded Windows 7 Home Premium to Windows 7 Professional. ArtMasterPro runs perfectly no problems. I didn't like paying for the upgrade. Compatability should be built into every version of Windows, but since Vista came along, it's not.

[Arendjan]

Originally Posted by bbklauds

Hi...I have been looking for a way to activate my copy for a long time. Can you please send me the keys???? I would really, really appreciate it. Thanks

Hallo dear friend,
My name is Adri Leuverink from Holland. I have an original disc with AMP, but i lost my key/serial numbers. Is it good with you that try your numbers for this great software?

Regards
Arendjan

[Kristopix]

Artmaster Pro discs cannot be activated since the company's demise 2 years ago, the serial numbers were unlocked on their website. The only way I have kept my program going (on XP) is to keep the original hard drive throughout many upgrades. AMP is so good that I have a computer engineer who is employed specifically to maintain its function. Be careful if you see it offered for sale as I viewed an offer yesterday and immediately caught a virus. Unfortunately there are some horrible people out there.

[Randcarlo]

"Artmaster Pro discs cannot be activated since the company's demise 2 years ago..." Kristopix

I can't agree with you Kristopix.

As a courtesy, for two participants, of this thread, that exhibited a generous ability to co-operate with other members of the thread, I extended the kindness of using their challenge codes, to generate response codes, with my keygen, which did in fact, activate their copies of Art Master Pro. You see, I respect people that are capable of co-operation and in an effort to encourage this admirable trait, out of habit, I offer aid. It is unfortunate, that I am not able to extend help, to those, that only express self interest in their posts, an ethical decision on my part.

[plugsnpixels]

Randcarlo, you have good intentions and are helpful, but you're generating serial numbers with a keygen and telling everyone about it, which isn't cool (or an appropriate "ethical decision"). Though this case is a gray area since the company is no longer selling the product, but of course they still own the rights to it unless they say otherwise. There's no question it's not appropriate to do this with products sold by currently-in-business developers.

But either way, I'd avoid doing so. I have review serial numbers for pretty much every Photoshop-related title out there, old and new – including these f02pix products – and do not share them. Such "kindness" might make me a lot of friends, but it's not right and could lead to bad karma, not to mention legal trouble...

[Kristopix]

I have these 'friends' who always want copies of all programs I purchase new and never wish to pay for anything which I resent (as an aside, they choose to live off the state etc etc). My first post on this website was simply to alert people to the fact that an advert selling Artmaster Pro was loaded with a virus.

I also bought the Phenon II Quad drive and was informed that AMP could only run on 32 bit but I'm 'technophobic' and have to trust the advice of experts.

[Randcarlo]

Thank you PlugsnPixels. Your advice has given me something to consider, although we all agree it is s unfortunate that Art Master Pro is no longer available and that support for those with the program has not been carried forward.

Kristopix - I think both of us had good intentions. Thanks for posting.
Welcome to the thread.

[plugsnpixels]

No problem, just trying to keep you out of trouble ;-).

The guy behind Art Master Pro, Don McCrae, was located awhile back (see elsewhere on this forum for the discussion); I don't know if anyone ever tried contacting him.

[Kristopix]

I last spoke to Don McRae on the 4th January 2008. It is so sad that his wonderful creations didn't sell enough in order for him to continue with Fo2PIX, he was about to 'pursue alternative avenues'. Whatever those avenues were let us hope he had success.

[Bower Boy]

I am very interested in getting my copy of ArtMaster Pro up and running. It will install fine on my new install of XP but when I put in my key, it says that I have exceeded allowable installs or something to that effect. Well I upgrade computers. I'm sure Topaz is great but I spent a lot of time and energy working out techniques in AMP and I want to use it. I have a legal copy that I bought and paid for. I would be very interested in anybody's workaround.

[Kristopix]

Hi Bower Boy. Artmaster Pro came with 3 install clicks when Fo2PIX were operating, unfortunately at the time we weren't to know that the company was going to go into liquidization so that we could possibly install the program onto spare hard discs. Personally I think that there should have been some way that customers (who had spent good money) could have been left some way of unlocking their spare keys. If you have exceeded your allowable installs this must mean that you must have used all 3 up before late 2007? My advice to you is wait for a response from someone (no names mentioned!)

[plugsnpixels]

This is the problem with deadware, regardless of original price: Eventually you can't run it anymore, short of finding some sort of crack (which I haven't, sorry!).

[Randcarlo]

As mentioned before, there are 2 programs derived from Art Master Pro avaiable for purchase and shipment in Europe from Amazon.co.uk, reading about availability, the number of remaining copies seems to be very small. They may have more, often listing low numbers of copies is meant to get you to buy quickly, it's all marketing, but I would buy as soon as possible. Programs may also be available from different retailers.

Photo Art Master Silver (site reports 1 copy available) 25BP

Photo Art Master Classic (site reports 3 copies available) 9 BP

Yes - It's living breathing software - I had an friend in England sent me a copy to N America just last year. It runs perfectly on XP. I like the interface better, it's quite different than Art Master Pro.

[plugsnpixels]

I see it listed here. System requirements are a bit old, a sure tip that this is not still-breathing software...

[Randcarlo]

One day later I get what you mean - it's no longer in development, orphan software without a home or parents that care

I think this thread are the last Godparents that still care about Art Master Pro.

Maybe I'm carrying this family metaphor a little too far

Bower Boy needs help and directions installing wizards.

Can anyone help him out?

[Kristopix]

Randcarlo. Nice comment about us being the Godparents of AMP. Maybe you might think this a bit obsessive but since buying my copy in 2006 I have dedicated every spare hour working with the product (26 books!) check out kristopix.com.

[plugsnpixels]

Nice work Kristo, and an imaginative use of typography!

I must say, your lens is bigger than mine... ;-) Did you get a special on teleconverters?

I always thought someone should create a forum avatar with an exaggerated lens such as that, since people are always posting images of themselves holding some big glass.

[Kristopix]

Thanks Plugnpixels. I screwed all my redundant pre-digital SLR lenses together for that picture, using gaffer tape where the Pentax/Canons etc didn't interlock! What short life our beloved cameras have these days because of technology. Currently I'm using a compact with a 30x zoom and HD video which seems to cover everything.

Regarding Artmaster Pro: Earlier in my first post to this thread I mentioned that an engineer keeps the program running regardless of cost throughout the many crashes/viruses and computer upgrades.

[plugsnpixels]

Great sense of humor, Kristo!

I too love long zooms. I think I would rather have the extra reach than wide-angle capability, if I had to choose.

What is the 35mm equivalent of your 30x, and what camera is it on?

As for AMP, have you found any other natural media app/plug-in that comes close? I feel bad that you have to work so hard to keep AMP running against its will! ;-)

[Kristopix]

Plugnpixels. On the lens it says 'Equiv/135' whatever that means, but 24-720 seems its range. It is a Fujifilm HS10, with 10mpx and a flipscreen that allows sneeky shooting at unsuspecting subjects!

I find that pinsharp originals aren't neccessary when using AMPro as the program smooths out detail (although 90% of my time is spent removing/erasing/smudging and preparation beforehand).

To be honest my fear of losing the program was quite serious as the first 25 books were produced using it but thanks to this thread I investigated other products for the first time. The latest book is quite a deviation, first I purchased Akvis Sketch which is limited but definately better for certain work, then I added Virtual Painter 5 which gives some decent variety. Combining the 3 programs often produces the required result and due to the fact that I have all the night time hours available eventually pays off. For example 'Water Tone' (2010) when finished had over 10,000 'save as' files in the dump folder!

[gholmes1936]

Originally Posted by Kristopix

Plugnpixels. On the lens it says 'Equiv/135' whatever that means, but 24-720 seems its range. It is a Fujifilm HS10, with 10mpx and a flipscreen that allows sneeky shooting at unsuspecting subjects!

I find that pinsharp originals aren't neccessary when using AMPro as the program smooths out detail (although 90% of my time is spent removing/erasing/smudging and preparation beforehand).

To be honest my fear of losing the program was quite serious as the first 25 books were produced using it but thanks to this thread I investigated other products for the first time. The latest book is quite a deviation, first I purchased Akvis Sketch which is limited but definately better for certain work, then I added Virtual Painter 5 which gives some decent variety. Combining the 3 programs often produces the required result and due to the fact that I have all the night time hours available eventually pays off. For example 'Water Tone' (2010) when finished had over 10,000 'save as' files in the dump folder!

What is AMPro as I can find no references on the web using Google?
Thanks.

[plugsnpixels]

Nice range! ("135" is used to designate "35mm".)

I used to have a 28-210 for my 35mm back in the 80s and thought it was extreme, but the Fuji has all the stretch you could ask for! And true, natural media apps cover a multitude of lens distortion and JPEG artifact sins.

Gunner, AMP stands for ArtMaster Pro. We got lazy... ;-)

[Bower Boy]

As RandCarlo mentioned in an earlier post, I am looking for a little advice on installing wizards in ArtMaster Pro. I originally bought White Intent and Essential Watercolour but I recall that the original set may have been corrupt. They were replaced and worked fine. I fear that I may have backed up the the wrong set of f2pz files. Anyway, the main reason I am sweating software that has been dead for years is that I have come back to a project that is half done and I really could use Essential Watercolour or even the instructions with which one could construct a new wizard. To start with, does anyone remember exactly how you would install wizards that were puchased in addition to the base software? I'd like to give these another try. Thanks.

[Randcarlo]

Instructions for 'How to Record and Art Wizard' is in the Help menu guide. Re-read that section, It should also give you an idea on how to an Art Wizard. I would think you would just have to find the program folder, inside there is a wizards file; amd just drop Essential Watercolours into the folder.

Start/R-Click My Computer
R-Click Local Drive C
L-Click Open
R-Click Program Folder
L-Click Open
L-Click Progam Folder
Then you will see the Wizard Folder
Open the Wizard Folder and you will see all the Wizards you have.
I would think .... you just have to put Essential Watercolours into the Wizard Folder
...no un-archiving or anything because the f2pz file type is exclusive to Art Master Pro.
I'm not quite sure about L or R ... I'm under siege to leave the computer and get back to painting the house.

Pm me on whether it worked or not.

Does anyone use Art Master Pro on a Mac?

[gholmes1936]

Originally Posted by Randcarlo

Does anyone use Art Master Pro on a Mac?

I use to but everything fell apart for me somehow. New Operating and so forth. wish that I still had it and could use it on my Mac (Intel Inside).