Greetings... a VFX Coordinator I know in LA recommended that I check out this cool site.

Sorry if I'm posting this in the wrong spot...  Looked at GROUPS, but wasn't sure just where to ask this...

I've got 30 years of Live Action experience (went to Cal Arts to study animation, but MACs were B&W back then) and now I've got the time to explore the Digital Art & FX World.  I'm interested in trying my hand at Matte Painting. 

If there's anyone here who does Matte Painting; What software do you suggest I start out with?  Which size Wacom tablet do you suggest?

Also, as I have an animation BKG, (worked on the original TRON), I'd like to add "animated" elements / layers (Birds flying by; moving Clouds; Ripples on water; UFO's, etc.).  Which program(s) should i look at?

Sorry for my ignorance & lack of basic knowledge... Any help would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks, David

It might be wise to contact a friend of mine, David B. Mattingly.

He was a traditional matte painter at Disney, and successfully made the leap to the digital world. Great guy, extremely knowledgeable and friendly. He is also a teacher so good chance he may be able to steer you in the right direction.

As far as compositing, After Effects is great program, with many support groups out there, as well as Nuke.

BTW: On a side note, did you work with Jan C on Tron...?

Hey Steve... Wow, thanks so much for your quick reply. Just logged in for the first time in a couple of weeks and was so suprised to see you replied to my question so quickly. Thought I had set up my account to notify me whenever I would get a msg or reply.

Anyway, greatly appreciate your thoughtful suggestion to contact David B. Mattingly! Sounds like a great guy to know.

I'll check out After Effects. Went to the NAB convention in Vegas last year & got tons of info on different companies, including Nuke... but just haven't had the time to wade through it all. But now that you mention it, I'll dig up their brochures and check 'em out.

As for working on Tron, don't recall ever meeting Jan... There were countless "Inkers & Painters" (back-lit cells) working on the 2nd floor of the old Van Der Veer Effects building in Burbank. I was there because of my friendship with animators Sam Kirson & Jimmy Murikami.

Again, thanks so much for your suggestions & reply! DH

Yeah, do a search on David and you'll get to his site, or through here. You can let him know we spoke. VERY talented guy, extremely nice.

Jan Carlee is the person i was talking about. Also very talented character animator / Director.