What graphics library to draw your own 2D controls?

Question

API

I'm trying to create my child window classes, which are controls (on winAPI). But the standard GDI (GDI+) library is outdated, slow, has limitations, and doesn't suit me.
I need the library to support without problems - 2D shadows, gradients and anti-aliasing.
Which graph would you choose? library for drawing 2D controls? I don’t need any complicated graphics, I just need them to work on the WM_PAINT message, and there were no problems using it in Windows 7.