Im trying to learn how to digital paint better so i can make some wicked textures for my 3d models...mostly geared toward game creation(low poly)...i recently got a wacom tablet and ive watched all the vid tuts from polycount but for some reason i cant produce the same results, or even close...

Is there a good book or guide that could help me improve this and be more educational than the vid tuts?

-Buddikaman-

Have you ever taken any traditional art courses? Just a general question...

other than high school art, no

Then perhaps if this is what you really want to do, and produce results similar to those of people with artistic training, you should look into some anatomy, color theory, design, and other artistic references, training lessons, etc. [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] I'll try and find some links when I have time tomorrow.

k, but just so u know even though im self taught, i have a fairly clear understanding of art in general, creating characters and painting ect, im not a tottal newbie and my work doesnt suck much at all. Im not saying some classes wouldnt help, im not really sure if they would or wouldnt, i just dont want you thinking im tottaly clueless.

-Buddikaman-

http://www.wattsatelier.com/art_instruction1.html

If you think you can draw better then them, then you probably don't need classes, but I doubt you can. Just compare your ability.

Making textures is based upon traditional skills, which are developed by learning and practice.

I'm pretty much self taught, but I realize that you can only go so far without guidance.

http://www.digitalarttutorials.com
http://www.thegnomonworkshop.com/dvds/npa04.html

However, you might want to check those videos. Those videos emphasize what Photoshop tools you should use and in what order.

As long as you have come across some decent tutorials, the next step is practice practice practice practice...that and getting good critiques of your progress (from yourself or other artists).
NO ONE who doesn't know how to do something complicated can sit down and immediately do it extremely well right after learning the basics. Virtually EVERYONE can do it much much better if they do it over and over and over.

Make sure you are having fun creating art, so that "practicing" is an enjoyable activity.

Also, be sure and start simple. Trying to do a sophisticated character or extremely detailed environment as a first project is likely to be frustrating.

this is some tips and demos on how i paint stoof, it's pretty decent:
http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=18980

This does seem like something that would be a boon to the community. There are so many handy little tidbits of information floating around on the various tutorials and on these forums, it'd be great to get them all together in one handy book. Kinda surprising that nothing of any quality has made it onto the shelves yet, at least as far as I've seen.

heh. I am going as fast as I can guys [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]
Patience. You shall have your texturing bible.

You writing again Dave?

So do you guys think it would be a good idea to take some sort of basic art classes at the local community college, im not sure what classes they have(i live in houston) but i might should look into it if it will make me a better artist/painter

-Buddikaman-

Definitely.

Take some basic drawing if you never had, then move on to some type of painting. Sculpture isn't bad either.