Beginning graphics

I want to begin programming 2d graphics. The only graphics I've ever dabbled in were java applets (which barely count). I've practiced java for a year and a half, but I know enough c++ to get by.

My question: How does one go about getting into programming 2d graphics?

>>12
Libraries like XNA use custom sprite classes that do all the necessary work for the camera and mapping to screen coordinates for you. So you get easy to use, fast rendering sprites.