Custom Controls in C++

Hello All,

My question is regarding custom controls in C++. My intention is to stray
from MFC and generate control classes of my own design in both visual
appearance and function. Does anyone know where to start? Of course, I know
how to handle events and the like, but as far at the 'user interface' goes,
how does one create the visual interface for a control, such as a button or
combo box? How does the class store the 'visual information' for these
classes. I have written software in the past, but required MFC to hold my
hand. I would like to expand my knowledge beyond Microsoft's - seeming -
control of software design. Any suggestions on where to start would be greatly
appreciated.

Thank you for your time,
Desicus

MFC does not store any "visual information". It just provides a C++ interface for the Win32 API.

If you really want to design your own controls, you will have to learn the GDI functions. But it is possible to change the appearance of many existing controls, for example you can associate a bitmap with them.