drowning_dolly_day

You could always try GimpTalk. It's basicly a forum for GIMP users with tutorials, links to brushes, plugins, et cetera. The people their are helpful, so I recommend you give it a shot.

Since you don't seem to like GIMP all too much you could always try Serif Photoplus, I use that plus GIMP and my graphics come out just lovely. Those are the only 2 programs that I know of that are free of cost.