fi you want to makes abstract look first on the 'Suggested Software' (in the 'Others Stuff' link)
see what programs you find useful and ask around you for a copy if you can't afford them because each of them cost a lot!
I mainly use photoshop and 3d studio max :
photoshop is very popular and very useful, it's a program not so hard to manipulate. The more you will use it the more it will be easy... experiment, try new things... makes some mistakes^^, and try some tutorials... It will help you a lot, believe me. ( the easy way would be to experiment with pictures and photos... to test the different fusion mode and see how the different filters work.)
3dsmax is really great but hard to manipulate and understand. That's why I use it principaly to create unusual and strange shapes. It's a program I don't control so well.
I will give you de same advice, experiment, learn some tutorials, and if possible buy a book on the subject ( it's really more easy with a book in hand)
Thanks Tyler for viewing and commenting on my Macon Clouds 3 photo. I love visiting Chattanooga. Last year I was up there for Riverfest and was very impressed. I'm about ready for another trip. I'm glad that you like my image.
Russ
Thanks for you comments on My Coffee. I still can't figure out why so many people like coffee so much! I can't stand going into coffee shops cause the smell! :)
Mountain Dew is all I need!! Plus some water every now and then.
Thanks for your comment on "Biltmore Estate," Tyler :) I lived in Chattanooga myself for about a year, and went to school about 45 minutes North of Chattanooga for a year before that. It's a great city, I miss it!
"This existence of ours is as transient as Autumn clouds. To watch the birth and death of beings is like looking at the movements of a dance. A lifetime is a flash of lightning in the sky. Rushing by, like a torrent down a steep mountain. "
-Buddha