Which painting software to buy???

[wilsonf]

Hello everyone,
I'm currently looking to buy one of the following:
Corel Painter X
Corel Painter Essentials 4
ArtRage 2

I'm aware of the price difference, but I need some user buying advice.
I have used Photoshop before.

I do plan on using a Wacom Intuos3 6x8 tablet.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Cost is a factor but I would consider spending a little more if it's worth it.

Newbie

[Swampy]

Painter X is pretty powerful stuff and has infinite possibilities, but the learning curve is steep. It helps if you are a natural artist and have an understanding of how real paint brushes work and how the paint interacts with previous strokes.

That said, I don't know either of the other programs, but if you don't already have Photoshop or PSP, I would certain look there first.

[Steve Conway]

Unless you are a paint from scratch type artist, forget Painter Essentials 4. Don't have any experience with the others you list.

Steve C.