Corel Painter IX

Help, I'm not an artist by any means. I Love taking photos and try turning them into art through PhotoshopCS. I've also purchased 2 cds from http://www.Trimoon.com and still not what I was trying to achieve. I'm wondering if Corel Painter IX will get me what I want/need. I have downloaded the trial version and am totally lost. I don't even know where to begin. Guess I have to look over the manual. But before shelling out the $$$ i want to know if I even need Painter or can I achieve the painting look through Photoshop?? (The photo's that are at the http://www.trimoon.com site is exactly what I'm trying to create! and yes it was all done with Photoshop but I am thinking it might be easier with Painter? am I wrong in this conclusion?)
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks for all your help.