Serif has been giving away free art software for many years now and although its not the latest versions, is fully up to most jobs.
PhotoPlus 6 is an image editing software that lets you perform a load of tasks that are usually associated with expensive programs like PhotoShop etc.
Serifs Description: Creative Tools
Enhance your images with easy-to-use creative tools, such as paintbrush, airbrush, clone, smudge and erase - adjustable brush settings include size, shape, softness and fade for complete control.
Animation
Easily create your own animated GIFs for websites and presentations - PhotoPlus 6 makes it much easier to create your own animations than you may think!
Web Images
Divide images into individual sections that can be clicked on to link to other web pages and websites, just like text hyperlinks. PhotoPlus 6 creates all the HTML code ensuring your images appear properly - it couldn't be easier!
Export Optimizer
Simultaneously view up to four previews that display the relationship between image file size and quality, making it easy to decide how to save and export images for every purpose.
QuickShapes
Add ready-made, customizable QuickShapes to your images. Choose from a range including speech bubbles, starbursts and spirals - a real time-saver!
Best Free Image Editor 
