First of all, I am so clueless with electronics that I'm not even sure I am posting this in the correct place on this forum. Please let me know if this is the appropriate place to ask what I want to learn.
I am requesting help with the following:
Using Arduino and LED's to create art.
My initial goal is this: Purchase an LED RGB Matrix, purchase an Arduino controller and whatever else I need to do one simple thing and that is to blink an LED on and off on a LED Matrix using a computer. I have done about 2 weeks worth of research on the Arduino site and others. My ultimate goal is to be able to create art along the lines of Leo Villareal but that is way way in the future. right now I just want to learn to control a small LED matrix with a computer and then build on that.
So, my initial question is about the hardware. I have looked at LED matrix's on SeeedStudio and Sparkelectronics and have also looked at the arduino controllers on those sites. I need recommendations on how to build the most basic of setups, a setup that will allow me to controll the LED's......Matrix, controller, software, USB cord is what I think I need....Do I need more than these items to do the most basic?
I will just start with that one question, but I have lots more rattling around in my head. I want to state that I am clueless when it comes to electronics, I am more interested in creating the LED art, then in building electronics, but I will learn whatever I need to on the electronics side. All help is greatly appreciated.