[lysander]

Your an intelligent bunch. Perhaps you could help

I've wondered about this for a while, and I finally decided to try and put it to rest. What is the matte painting process? How does one go about creating a matte painting?
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Earth under attack by paper mache aliens; world leaders plead - 'Save us! Doctor Who!'

[Jimmyjimjim]

Kind of a broad question, but maybe I can answer (although I am no expert)

Matte paintings are usually done to match and extend or change existing camera shots or photographic plates. They're one of the more difficult things do make look right because the lighting, color and camera angle must match the photographic elements nearly perfectly. They are also used to establish environments.

Digital composting had changed the way matte paintings are used, adding camera movement and flexibility with color and animation, but the principle remains the same.

As for doing a matte painting? I would personally start by doctoring and extending phtographs to create original eviros..

[balistic]

Go buy or borrow this book.

It is largely historical, but I think it's the best place to start.

Most people, even if they know what a matte painting is, don't really know they're used. The historical context is as important as any technical process.
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brian.prince|light.comp.paint

[lysander]

Thanks chaps, both for the pm's and replies. Its shed a little light on the subject for me
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Earth under attack by paper mache aliens; world leaders plead - 'Save us! Doctor Who!'

[Gort]

lysander - also check the Search functionality on this forum; your topic has been discussed before and in great detail.


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- Tom Carter

"You can't stop the waves but you can learn to surf" - Jack Kornfield

[lysander]

meh. im lazy
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Earth under attack by paper mache aliens; world leaders plead - 'Save us! Doctor Who!'