Hi, all, I am a newby on the list and am in need of your expert knowledge .

My only knowledge of using graphics applications is through using the OpenGL libary within C++, and have no prior knowledge of any other graphics software used.

I need to know what key animation features and modelling techniques that are used in Houdini, and possibily where these key techniques have been used in the industry.

If anyone could direct me to any on-line sources, or even books and journals, it would be a massive help.

That's a rather ambitious request. I think you would get a better response if you first did some research in 3D applications in *general*, since the principals are the same no matter what app you use. It sounds like you're talking about a basic 3D course, since coding 3D in OpenGL is almost unrelated to the animator's workflow. That's what it sounds like you're requesting - e.g. IK, animation, geo structures and types such as poly, subdiv, NURB, rendering, shading, particles, etc.etc. That's a year-long course.
Correct me if I'm wrong, though.

Cheers,

J.C.