Other paint programs

[Tom M]

I noticed your list of painting programs that have provided you inspiration,

here are additional programs you might find worthwhile to examine and
some of their particular strenghts

Studio Artist  http://www.synthetik.com/
Extraordinary filter based brushes and effects capabilities (macintosh only)

ZBrush http://pixologic.com/home/home.shtml
best masking implementation and shading tools, as well as depth painting tools

Pixia http://www.pixia.com/
very nice method of changing brush size

Tom M.
LetterRip