How to start?

[Slickshots]

Hi guys,

I did a little matte a while back, but i'm really curious whats the best way to do this. And also the most easy way... :wink:

Do i have to start with a 3d render... or just start w/ stock images?

greetings :)

[nickmarshallvfx]

Actually niether. The best place to start is with a painting. Here is the number one best place to learn in my opinion, and it is shared by many:

http://www.thegnomonworkshop.com/dvds/dco01.html

[s0nkite]

or make sketch, or watch your references and draw on them things that you imagine etc

[Slickshots]

thanks guys, so all i need is a tablet, that dvd and photoshop, nothing more? (beside drawingskills)

[nickmarshallvfx]

Well a tablet, the dvd, and photoshop will do nothing for you without the skills, so there really is no shortcut, or something that you can buy to be a good matte painter. The skills come from hard work and putting in lots of time and effort, so there's no better time to start.

Nick

[mordecaidesign]

As I'm sure Rockhopper can attest to. Good photography makes a huge difference. And you learn to take better "matte" photos the better your eye gets. Building your "eye" is important in art, photography, design and film.
Study layout and design and just do it. practice practice practice. Make some mistakes and gain some experience.

Take lots of landscape photos, travel as much as you can (You'll be suprised what you find if you get out of your own town/city)

But most importantly. Never lose the magic. Find those things, scenes, films, or paintings that caused you to want to become a mattepainter and latch onto them.

[Slickshots]

Thanks guys, i already did a matte before... well at least i am trying to :)
you can find it in here...

http://www.styleforce.nl/board/wp.jpg


Bigger size:
http://www.thefwa.com/?app=profiles&id=5810

So i hope i can learn a lot in here :roll:

greets,

Barry

[rockhoppermedia]

Hello Barry

I am a working photographer trying very hard to become a painter. My friend Mordecai is right about having a good eye. Every job that i get commisioned for I am a bag of nerves when I arrive at a job. I am turn that nervous energy into something positive, looking at things differently looking at shape colour tone. So far i have been getting away with it with my camera. But matte painting is a whole different ballgame and this forum is exceptional with the talent these guys share. I admit I am a dreadful matte painter but something funny is happening just by trying to paint. I am getting a little bit better on each paint that I do and I dream of the day when some one from this forum says that is good. I know it will be a long time but I remember when I started out in photography my images were weak now I am accepting commisions from a lot of unexpected quarters. Barry paint anything that inpsires you we at Mattepainting Org will support you.

Anything photographic you are not sure about just ask, if I dont know their are friends of mine that do.

I really look forward to what you can show us,

Best Regards

Rich :wink:

[lazer]

There's really no other way to be a good matte painter unless you
understand how to draw and paint exceptionally well.
As others have said good eyes and paying attention to photography is
important. I'd also say pay close attention to the real world and the key
ingredient being light. Check out Cole, Dusso, Harnett, Haupt, Dutton, Mullins,
Ellenshaw, Whitlock, Dennison, Ferrand and other pros for some
inspirational works. Some of those artists frequent this forum,
so take advantage of their openess.

Many matte paintings are extensions of plate photography so starting with
a nice photo is a good starting point. With regards to 3d renders -- learn
how to do it by starting with a render, but don't rely on that method alone
of course.