[Marigolo]

Hi, we are working on a demo for a project and would like to know if there is a resource for purchasing Mattepaintings on the web (sort of like an "istock photo" for matte paintings). This would be of great use for people working on school or independent projects, or like us, people who are trying to sell a concept but don't have the resources to hire someone at this time. If anyone has any info it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Mario.

[rockhoppermedia]

no the idea does not work, matte paintings are a one off deal, and only fit the scene as for that particular type of integration. You cannot pick a matte of the shelf and apply to that project as a one click fix. The matte is a final product of art design, colour palette, and style for that particular scene. If you pulled a matte from the shelf the matte would lead the direction of the film. Mattes if they were actors would be an invisible extra. Not the star of the shot.

I know in the early days mattes were reused and audiences spotted these.

This would cheapen the artform , and too be honest sites like deviant art have tons of so called matte paintings which are not.

This idea of istock of mattes is an abomination and the artform in the last five years has been cheapened enough. If you want a decent matte painting you have to pay for it.

[Marigolo]

Fair enough Rich, your argument is sound. Thanks for the reply!
Mario.

[nickmarshallvfx]

Rich is correct that a matte painting is done to fit a specific brief and often cant be just dragged and dropped into another production. However, it may be that if you see a matte painting on a site like this and wish to use it, and you could always contact the artist and see if they are interested in selling it to you. You will find that many of the good paintings are done for another project and the artist cannot legally sell it to you, but you might get lucky. There are a few talented amateurs around that ay have done paintings for themselves and be happy to get some money for you to use it as you wish.
I think you will struggle a bit with this, but there's no harm trying. Rich is right that if you want a good matte painting, tailored for your production you have to pay for it, but having seen many aryists pusue people who steal artwork from them, i commend the fact that you aknowledge the necessity to pay for the work as of course everyone should.

N