Akvis has released ArtWork 5.0, an update of the tool for transforming photos into paintings using various techniques.

ArtWork is available in plug-in and standalone versions for Mac and Windows systems. Version 5.0 introduces the watercolor style. Photos can now be converted to an image in the airy, light style of watercolor paintings.

Also new to Artwork 5.0 are the post processing tools Smudge and Blur, which are available under the Business and Deluxe licenses. These tools help to improve the results made in the oil and watercolor styles. Additionally, thanks to the new Animated Processsing feature, you can observe the photo-to-painting conversion in real time.

Each painting style in ArtWork includes presets. Version 5.0 adds new presets for the oil, comics, and pen & ink styles. The new watercolor style comes with six presets.

Akvis ArtWork is available as a stand-alone application, as well as a plug-in to a photo editor.
ArtWork runs on Mac OS X 10.4 and higher and Windows 7/Vista/XP.

Akvis ArtWork Home License (plug-in or standalone) sells for US$72, downloadable from http://Akvis.com . Registered users can upgrade to version 5.0 for free.

Home users can enjoy the full line of Akvis programs in the Akvis Alchemy Bundle (Retoucher, Chameleon, Multibrush, Enhancer, Refocus, Coloriage, Noise Buster, Sketch, Decorator, LightShop, ArtSuite, SmartMask, Magnifier, ArtWork, and NatureArt) for $325.

Akvis ArtWork is also part of the Akvis Artistic Bundle (Sketch, ArtWork, and ArtSuite), which sells for $149 for the plug-in version or $169 for the standalone version.