AKVIS Softwareannounces the release of AKVIS Sketch v.8.6 for
Windows and Macintosh. The software converts photos to pencil
drawings and watercolor paintings. Version 8.6 improves the way a
photo is converted into a watercolor painting and fixes the
compatibility bug that caused the Sketch plugin to crash on Macintosh
computers+Photoshop CS3,CS4. It also improves plugin compatibility on
Windows and adds support of 32 bit images to the plugin (earlier
available only in the standalone version). Upgrade for registered
users is free.

AKVIS Sketch is an award-winning program for conversion of photos
into pencil sketches and watercolor paintings. Make any photo look
like a B&W or color drawing, imitate the technique of graphite or
color pencil, charcoal or watercolor painting.

The program works in an entertaining way. It allows observing the
conversion of a photo into a drawing/watercolor in real time and even
interrupting the process when the required result is achieved.

Once you have converted your photo into a drawing, you can add some
special effects (the Background tab). Create a blend of a drawing
and a photo; imitate motion or add "time machine effect" by swirling
the background. Put an accent to certain parts of the image by
blurring the rest of it in an artistic way. It proves especially
useful when the final drawing contains too many details on the
background that divert attention.

Besides, the parameters on the Canvas tab allow adding a rough
surface to your image, as if it has been drawn on canvas, corrugated
paper, brick wall, etc. It is also possible to add a signature or a
greeting to your pencil drawings to personalize the work of art.

Version 8.6. of AKVIS Sketch improves the way a photo is converted
into a watercolor painting and fixes the compatibility bug that
caused the Sketch plugin to crash on Macintosh computers+Photoshop
CS3,CS4. It also improves plugin compatibility on Windows and adds
support of 32 bit images to the plugin (earlier available only in the
standalone version).

Many photo editing enthusiasts have already appreciated the Sketch' s
features. Take a look at the examples gallery (many created by users)
at http://akvis.com/en/sketch/examples-pencil-drawing.php

Sketch can be useful on many occasions. Surprise your friends and
relatives by presenting them their pencil portraits. Make a
watercolor drawing out of a photo from your last nature shooting to
decorate your room. Convert your own photo into a color sketch to
print on a T-shirt. Create a comic out of your party videos.

The program can be helpful to designers who need to quickly bring
images to one style for a web-site or an advertisement booklet.

Using batch processing in Photoshop or Paint Shop pro (only for the
plug-in version) you can even convert a film into a cartoon. Like
here: http://akvis.com/en/sketch-tutorial/cartoon-film.php

For a free trial, AKVIS offers 10 days of fully functional use.
Details are available at http://akvis.com/en/sketch/index.php Upgrade
for registered users is free.

AKVIS Sketch is available as a stand-alone application, as well as a
plugin to a photo editor. The plugin version of AKVIS Sketch is
compatible with Adobe Photoshop and Photoshop Elements, Corel
Painter, Corel Photo-Paint, and Paint Shop Pro, ACD FotoCanvas, and
Ulead PhotoImpact. AKVIS Sketch runs on Microsoft Windows
2000/2003/XP/Vista and on Macintosh Mac OS X 10.4-10.5, PowerPC/Intel.

AKVIS Sketch Home License (plug-in or standalone) sells for $72 USD
or 55 Euro, downloadable from www.akvis.com . Home users can enjoy
the full line of AKVIS plugins in the AKVIS Alchemy bundle (Sketch,
Chameleon, Stamp, Retoucher, Coloriage, Noise Buster, Decorator,
Enhancer, LightShop, SmartMask, ArtSuite, Magnifier and ArtWork) for
USD $325 USD, huge savings over purchasing each separately.

Also AKVIS Sketch comes bundled with AKVIS ArtWork (photo-to-oil
painting software) and AKVIS ArtSuite (frames and effects) with a
discount of 44 USD in the Artistic Bundle.