The thing is, Bob, that people with traditional art experience often do some of the most amazing 3D work by combining their 2D experience with 3D. 3D makes so many things easier, and a few things harder. It's just a matter of pulling your vision out of the software. I think you have a great start. Have you considered Painter from Corel ProCreate for postwork? You can use your paints and airbrush (including a "drying engine") right on your computer. My favorite Painter 6 brushes are "loaded oils" and "wet luscious." =)