Matte painting is a highly challenging field of digital art that combines 3D graphics, digital painting, and photographic references to create realistic works of art for videogames, film and TV. The technique of matte painting dates back to The Wizard of Oz, where multiple layers of glass panes were painted and layered on each other, but it’s advanced significantly since then.
Although the goal of matte painting is usually to get a realistic and lifelike scene, it is possible to add an artistic or creative feel to it. As long as the lighting is done properly, almost anything can look relatively realistic.
Here’s some artistic examples of matte painting that show how originality and an artistic touch can be added to matte paintings.
Alone on the Road by Grivetart
Arche by a13shade
Hello World by Dimms
The Alley by SimonWeaner
Conan the Barbarian Web by Ignition Interactive
Film/TV Work by Wayne Haag
The Passage by Dave-DK
MTV Rocks by Wieger Poutsma
Aurora Rising by fcmacmanus
Siberia by KingjamesUK