Getting Started

[Orion]

I was inspired by all the artwork on this site so I jumped in and tried my hand at some painting, and failed. But I am still eager to learn but I don't know where to start. So where should I go if I have no idea what I'm doing? Is it worth trying to do when I only have photoshop elements and no tablet? :?

[RiKToR]

I painted with a mouse for a bit but a tablet is a must. The low end wacom's are inexpensive and useful when starting out. Yes a full photoshop is a pretty much the standard tool out there, not to say elements cant do it but there are some essential color correcting tools in standard photoshop that make life easier. If you are saving up to make an investment, then get a cheap intuous wacom tablet, you then get 50% off on CS3 as a bonus for buying the tablet.

[Orion]

Thanks for your reply :D
Now lets just assume I have absolutely no money :(
I might be able to get CS2 off my friend though, though I'm not too sure of the legality of that :?
As for a tablet, I have no idea where to buy but I don't have enough money so that will wait but I'm pretty sure I'll get one eventually.

But for now seeing as I'm just a complete beginner I'm gonna work with what I've got. I already started with the haunted house thing in challenges which is good fun, but can you please point me to any of those "essential" tutorials or articles that everyone should read if any exist in the matte painting world?

Thanks again. Cya :)