Fxguide reports that Marin County, CA-based Matte World Digital (MWD) has closed its doors.

Known for its matte painting expertise, Matte World Digital is a veteran of the visual effects industry, spanning both the plate glass matte painting era and the new digital paradigm. The company was established, in 1988, by visual effects supervisor Craig Barron, matte painter Michael Pangrazio, and effects producer Krys Demkowicz. The company officially closed on August 8.

MWD’s long list of credits represent some stunning achievements in environments, and include several Academy Award-winning films (Terminator 2, Independence Day, Titanic, The Golden Compass, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and Hugo). MWD owner Barron, who had contributed matte paintings to Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, recently delivered a history of matte painting course at SIGGRAPH 2012.

The studio has goodbye notes from friends and employees on its website, along with a long farewell message, Matte World Digital Looks Back and Says Goodbye.