Ask HN: C++ graphics, first steps

I'm trying to write a custom mesh generator and I have the algorithm pretty much figured out so I'd now like to write an implementation in C++. I have very little C++ background and this is my first foray into serious 3D graphics but the project is intended largely as a learning exercise. I'm coming from Python, Perl, Processing.

Tutorial links or good advice for someone looking to get into C++ graphics programming would be extremely helpful. I'm used to textedit & sometimes I use VIM, but advice on workflow mechanics would be really great as well. Also anything on how to choose a physics engine would be great for later.

Basically any info for someone working toward building a fully featured 3D app in the [distant?] future. THANKS HN!