I'm 54 and, like you, I was a traditional artist. But in my head I always saw in 3D and knew that was what I wanted to do. I started out with Bryce, Photoshop and PSP. I loved Bryce while I was learning the basic concepts of 3D. Then I moved on to 3D Studio MAX and I love that. I do recommend Bryce for beginners, and perhaps a free modeling program like Wings3d. You won't understand it, and you'll struggle with it, but it will give you a beginning at modeling as you try to learn it.

Talent is God's gift to you. Using it is your gift to God.