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?

DOS is one of the most enjoyable systems for graphics programming.
Just set a point to 0xA000 (iirc) and that's your video memory.  Call some bit of assembler to set the video mode and some other bit to check for vertical retrace and your good to go.