AKVIS OilPaint

There are all sorts of ways for one to edit their images: from simple exposure and contrast adjustments, to altering HSL levels, and all the way to adding stylistic effects and filters, there's certainly something for everyone out there. Luckily, there is no shortage of programs for users to try and make use of to express their creative vision.

AKVIS OilPaint slants toward the more stylistic side: through an assortment of effects, users can turn their shots into oil paintings with the click of a button. Adjust the painting, stroke, and edge values, and see your photos take on a new form before your eyes.

Effects of this sort may seem gimmicky to some, especially when generated by a software solution — and it's fair enough. What matters more, however, is how the program handles the transformation: a high-quality conversion may very well get people mistaking your camera shot for an oil painting.

The program offers users numerous avenues to take advantage of: oil painting can get very diverse and elaborate, and the provided presets manage to strike a good balance to encompass a wide variety of styles for one's stills. You can leave everything as is, and rely on the presets, or put your own spin on it.

Besides the provided templates, the software allows users to customize the filter's presentation by adjusting a few values: simplicity, expression, as well as other stroke-related options can be freely changed as one sees fit.  Through the Quick Preview window, users can see how each of these values alters the base image.

Users can bring a more personal touch to their new painting through the Smudge function: per its name, it allows you to smear the painting in any way you want. Perhaps you want a more dynamic look to your work — this option can make it happen.

AKVIS OilPaint manages to inject high-quality oil painting filters onto the target image: while most of it comes down to personal preference, it can't be denied that it can bring forth a different allure to your stills.