This is a breakdown of the different layers that make up a matte painting I created several years ago for a film by Starway Pictures. The painting was created entirely in Photoshop, using a combination of digital painting and compositing techniques. To capture the photo references (walls, signs, light posts, cars, etc) needed for the painting, I shot photos of various locations around Downtown Los Angeles.
Matte painting created for Starway Pictures. Painting created in Photoshop using photo elements that I shot around Los Angeles.
Matte painting created for Starway Pictures. Painting created in Photoshop using photo elements that I shot around Los Angeles.
Compositing, digital painting, and finishing by Oscar Rodriguez. Creative Direction and Photography by Christopher Greco.
Compositing, digital painting, and finishing by Oscar Rodriguez. Creative Direction and Photography by Christopher Greco.
Process Breakdown: Compositing, digital painting, and finishing by Oscar Rodriguez. Creative Direction and Photography by Christopher Greco. I used individual photos of players to design a group shot then edited a supplied 3D rendered background to convey lighting and atmosphere. I digitally painted lighting effects, drop shadows, ground reflections, atmospheric effects, shadows and highlights on players, etc.
23 person composite for Netflix Latin X Series. Designed, retouched, masked, and blended individual photos of actors into single group shot.
Digital painting for Big Bad Tomato Creative Studio. Original character drawings by Lionel Ordaz.
Team illustration for Big Bad Tomato Creative Group: Original drawing by Lionel Ordaz. Digitally painted characters, logs and finishing by Oscar Rodriguez. Project was conceived to be 3D animated. The goal here was to paint a poster in Photoshop with a “3D rendered look”.
Head swap using 1986 painting by Boris Vallejo. See next images for process.
Three source images used for head swaps. Original painting by Boris Vallejo 1986.
Left: Low resolution portrait photos provided for project. Right: Final image with digitally painted faces.