There’s no competition between traditional and digital matte painting in terms of speed. The famous Raiders of the Lost Ark warehouse painting took three months to complete – far longer than a digital workflow.
However, some feel there is a trade-off. Visual effects work now involves collaboration between several highly technical roles. Some artists think this can dilute the creative vision, compared to having a single painter.
While it is possible for a single artist to hand-draw a matte painting digitally, contemporary workflows typically prioritise efficiency.
Digital matte paintings are now often combined with other techniques such as CGI to create entirely virtual sets, rather than augmenting or building on real environments.
This can impact performers, too. For instance, actor Ian McKellen reportedly found the shift from The Lord of the Rings’ physical sets to The Hobbits’ green screen studios distressing.
While the materials and techniques have changed, matte painting remains a valuable storytelling device and a powerful filmmaking tool that can transport us into worlds beyond our reality.