Custom image overlay animation

I have tried in many ways to make a rollover animation for a SINGLE static image but havent been successful. Here is what I have found:

1) galleries and grids have built in animations (and allow for customization) but they all require at least 2 columns, so I cant just create one single image that has a nice rollover animation.

2) the individual image content types dont offer overlay animations

3) the closest has been Media Grid which permits a rollover animation but no link out (only a lightbox)

Basically, I want the rollover options found in portfolio gallery items but be able to apply it to a single image and have it also link out to a page.

Any recommendations??

Thanks