[ChenZan]

Does anyone have any good examples or websites that showcase background paintings? im trying to make some background pieces for my portfolio just to show i can do that stuff. I assume its just regular painting?

[eyewoo]

Here's a link to a group of backgrounds digitally painted for an animated computer game:

http://www.mojoko.com/gilbert/
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[gLitterbug]

Ooh, I didn�t know you�ve done the backgrounds to Gilbert. I haven�t played it even though I�m quite the adventure fan, is it worth playing?

[eyewoo]

I thought it was tough... but I'm not much of a gamer. It was fun...
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[atomicmonkey]

http://andyice.com/
http://proctor-art.com/
http://delucastudio.com/
http://francreyes.com/
http://vignalistudio.com/
http://www.animation-backgrounds.com/
http://www.mcosford.fsnet.co.uk/Backgrounds.htm
http://robhruppel.com/
http://www.scottfassett.com/
http://www.silvershooters.com/browser.php?path=Print%2FIllustration%2FAlison
http://armandserrano.com/Home/Home.html

There's some background painter's websites. Mostly really classical animation stuff.

Animation backgrounds are not just regular paintings because of the fact that they are used only to stage the character. A lush, attention grabbing background is not usually a good thing (unless the scene calls for it), because it will only distract the viewer from the characters. Backgrounds are created form layouts which are designed with the character performance in mind. Meaning, if the character is standing or moving in a certain area, there must not only be enough room for them to do so, but the background itself should be designed with the performance in mind (ie: dont bother putting any detail into the area covered by the character, compose the background to lead the eye to the character, ect.)

Of course there are also estabilishing shots and the like where the scene is simply the painting and nothing else. Here you would definately want an impressive painting because it is all the viewer is looking at.

Just some thoughts. If you'd like to design some backgrounds, try making some layouts with characters in them. Then take the characters out.