[SpeeDFX]

I see amazing paintings on these forums that look nothing like they were even done digitally. I want to learn to do this. Should I use photoshop or painter?

[Mr. T]

try both and decide which one you like better. if you're going after the natural media look, Painter is the weapon of choice.

[gekitsu]

if you're after pur ebrushwork, i'd recommend painter.
there are a lot more settings for your brushes in painter than in ps. most likely, you'll be able to build the brush of your dreams in painter but not necessarily in ps as painter allows you to change every simple detail.
for things that go beyond pure brushwork, i'd recommend using photoshop. ps's focus in my eyes lies more in layer management, fiters, overlays etc... but it's a major cutdown in brush technology.
i'd try both if you can...
i am biased towards painter myself as it's good for everything concerning painting: emulating natural media & building own brushes in every ressort you can imagine...

[balistic]

Corel Photopaint.

Its as close to a hybrid of PS and Painter as you're likely to find.

[DeathJester]

I'd say try both...if you can get the software...

I have been using Photoshop since 4.0 and I know it in and out... And just last week I got ahold of a copy of painter 7.. and wow.. its interface is kinda hard to get through, but once you do.. its deffinitly champ! But, try em both... Also I made some stuff in painter and took it over into photoshop to edit..

anyways good luck