Hey Guys

I am new to maya, 21 years old and im really interested in getting into 3d CG. i just started using about a month and a half ago and its been really entertaining and fun. I am trying to get more into it. I think i have a good grasp at polygon modeling but right now i my texturing skills are lacking. I still havent really hit rigging animation and lighting yet.

I am following Learning Autodesk Maya 2008: Foundation. So far its been great expect for im stuck at producing quality work while texturing. The book gave basic instructions on how to use the 3d paint tool. Then it pretty much said "make this" I am having huge amounts of trouble trying to duplicate the end result that was provided with the tutorial. My main problem is that my lines when painting on are not smooth. does anyone have any advice on to use 3d paint tool to make smooth lines that actually look good anr realistic. Not like a kindergardener with a crayon.

Also i am having trouble "Blending" (not sure if that is the right term) colors. What i am trying to do is take a color and trying to lighten over the work space so it eventually will blend in with the color. In this case it would be a darker orange eventually blending into a white under belly of a penguin. I tried using the blur effect and it wasnt giving me the results i wanted. Any advice on how to operate the tools of 3d paint in maya or general noob advice will be greatly appericated.

Also is anyone aware of any good books that would help explain Theories of how to make things look good/realistic. Something that is CG based would be preferred.

Thank you
Da Noob