DIGITAL MATTE PAINTING / FUNDAMENTALS OF DIGITAL MATTE PAINTING

30/09/2025 - 02/12/2025 (Week 01 - Week 10)

Digital Matte Painting / Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media 

Agnes Fadhyllah / 0360504

Exercise: Digital Matte Painting / Fundamentals of Digital Matte Painting

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Instructions

You will undergo a series of exercises that will enhance your understanding of matte as listed below:

• Perspective Studies
• Compositions
• Value Studies
• Sky replacements
• Virtual Plain Air
• 2.5D mattes
• Invisible Set Extensions

Tasks

Perspective

Perspective exercises helped me better understand depth, scale, and spatial relationships in drawing. Through practicing one-, two-, and three-point perspective, I learned how objects relate to each other within a space and how distance can be visually represented. Applying these principles allowed me to create the illusion of depth and structure, making my compositions feel more realistic, visually engaging, and immersive for the viewer.

Fig 1.0 Perspective Studies #1

Fig 1.1 Perspective Studies #2

Fig 1.2 Perspective Studies #3

Virtual Plain Air

Virtual plain air studies helped me better understand lighting, color, and atmosphere in an environment. By observing and painting from digital references, I learned how light and color affect mood and depth, allowing me to create more natural and cohesive scenes.

Fig 1.3 Virtual Plain air reference

Fig 1.4 Virtual Plain air

Sky Replacement

Sky replacement was a fun exercise as it allowed me to experiment with changing the sky, atmosphere, and time of day. By adjusting these elements, I learned how lighting and color choices can completely change the mood and overall feel of a scene.

Fig 1.5 Sky replacement (Dawn)

Fig 1.6 Sky replacement (Day)

Fig 1.7 Sky replacement (Night)

Set Extension

Set extension was an interesting exercise that allowed me to expand and build upon an existing scene. By extending the environment and adjusting perspective and scale, I learned how additional elements can enhance depth, continuity, and the overall sense of space within a composition, Didn't do a lot though.

Fig 1.8 Set Extension

Composition & Value Study

Value and composition studies allow me to better understand how light, contrast, and arrangement affect the overall impact of a drawing. By applying different values and thoughtful composition, I can create a sense of depth, balance, and focus, guiding the viewer’s eye while emphasizing form, structure, and visual clarity within my work.

Fig 1.9 Value Studies

Fig 1.9 Composition Studies #1

Fig 1.10 Composition Studies #2

Fig 1.11 Composition Studies #3

2.D Matte

2.5D matte painting was a fun process that allowed me to combine layered images with depth and camera movement. By separating elements into layers and adjusting their placement, I learned how depth and perspective can enhance realism and make a scene feel more dynamic.

Fig 1.12 2.5D Matte #1

Fig 1.13  2.5D Matte #2

Fig 1.14 2.5D Matte #3

Final Compilation

Fig 2.0 Final Result PDF

Reflection

Through these exercises, including perspective studies, composition, value studies, sky replacement, virtual plein air, 2.5D mattes, and invisible set extensions, I developed a stronger understanding of space, depth, lighting, and atmosphere. While the process was challenging and often pushed me out of my comfort zone, each study helped me see how different elements work together to create believable and engaging scenes, while gradually improving my workflow and confidence in building environments visually.