sorry for it being so large... but I use Paint Shop Pro. I took a picture of some foliage, then fiddled with the efftects. Honestly, I don't know exactly what it was that I did... but it turned out well I think.
Yeah, it looks really good. I always kinda feel the way you do I guess. Anytime I create computer art, it doesn't feel real because I'm always just playing around with effects. But it looks awesome.