Paint.NET is a very good free image editor!

[racer-x]

I consider myself a Photoshop power user, but I must admit to spending more time in Paint.NET these days. Paint.NET is a very capable image editor, but what makes it great is the long list of free plugins for it written by Paint.NET enthusiast. The list is way too long to mention, but includes a very good 3D generator, texture generators, levels, curves, pattern makers and many more.

Paint.NET: http://www.getpaint.net/index.html
Paint.NET Plugins: http://paintdotnet.forumer.com/viewforum.php?f=16

Here is something I did completely in Paint.NET with various free plugins:

[ahhaa]

Rx- thanks for the tip! just as a thread fyi, it needs MS Framework 2.0, and isn't just webware.
I saw another program with unusual features while looking for Paint.net at cnet- Photoscape does albums and cartoon balloons, handles RAW, etc:
http://www.download.com/PhotoScape/3000-2192_4-10703122.html?tag=fd_prodlink