Matte painting is a visual effects process which combines 3D rendering in programs such as 3DSMax, Maya, and Fusion, along with hand-painted and photostock elements to create a seamless visual environment. For feature films, this matte painting environment is then used along with camera techniques to composite the actors into a virtual 3D scene while maintaining natural lighting and realistic environments. Matte paintings have been used in many films, from the Wizard of Oz, all the way up to James Cameron’s smash hit, Avatar.
This post will showcase 30 incredible matte paintings from the most talented matte painters around, including Dylan Cole, Dusso, and Frederic St-Arnaud. Movies showcased include Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Pirates of the Caribbean, The DaVinci Code, and Sin City. This post isn’t necessarily an endorsement of the film, but instead, focuses on the stunning visual effects displayed.
If you’re wondering why there are no matte paintings from Avatar here, most of the matte paintings have not yet been cleared for release. However, you can check out some DVDs from the artists involved over at The Gnomon Workshop, who recently saluted the artists of Avatar.
Enjoy the artworks, and special thanks to all the artists for creating breathtaking works of art that leave us dazzled film after film.
Quick Navigation (Scrolls to Movie)
- Lord of the Rings
- Sin City
- Star Wars
- The Chronicles of Riddick
- Alien vs. Predator
- Journey to Mecca
- The Island
- The Punisher
- The DaVinci Code
- Superman Returns
- Night at the Museum
- Daredevil
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Eragon
The Lord of the Rings
Sin City
Star Wars
The Chronicles of Riddick
Alien vs. Predator
Journey to Mecca
The Island
The Punisher
The DaVinci Code
Superman Returns
Night at the Museum
Daredevil
Pirates of the Caribbean
Eragon
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This post was mentioned on Twitter by SergioArantes: 30 Incredible Matte Paintings from Famous Films http://bit.ly/8NP6Wy...
Good Job man !! thts a pretty cool collection
…. completely cool with me…. matte paintings have been around for a long time…. but now we are in the “digital age” …. so they are even better than ever !! Thanks Brukhar for showcasing these here at CreativeFan !!
[...] Creative Fan has a gallery of 30 Incredible Matte Paintings from Famous Films. [...]
[...] Creative Fan has a gallery of 30 Incredible Matte Paintings from Famous Films. [...]
I really liked the first shot under “Daredevil” and the way it bends the perspective so that when you look down the painting you go from looking at the skyline to looking straight down at the road. I imagine this would be tough to pull off in a realistic way but he did it.
Coool! thanks eric! i just love Dylan Cole’s work. aspecially what he did for LoTR
really excellent paintings.
[...] 30 Incredible Matte Paintings from Famous Filmscreativefan.com [...]
[...] 30 Incredible Matte Paintings from Famous Films Freaking awesome Paintings! (tags: inspiration art painting matte) [...]
amazing but i have a question. since they are paintings and not complete 3d models in themselves still, how do they do pan shots of the scene???
They use compositing software such as Fusion to create a 3D version of the scene, which allows camera navigation.
good job
its really fantastic images i have ever seen in my journy…………
I think matte paintings add some reality in movies making them really interesting.Great job.
No they don’t add reality. Real locations add reality. Matte paintings add fantasy, that’s why they creat them: to add to the fantasy.
It’s really good collection of matte paintings…i was looking for something like this.!! thnx Eric..
Can anyone help? There is a painting on the dining room wall
in the movie “Greedy” starring Michael J Fox and Kirk Douglas.
I have been trying to find out the title of this piece and have contacted
the director as well as the set designer and they don’t remember
the prop house used. Thanks
Hm, I don’t see it on IMDB under References or Trivia, so if the director doesn’t know, I don’t know if anyone does.