title: C# Combine GDI+ and OpenGL/DirectX
body: <p><em>Background</em>: I am currently using custom controls within my C# project (basic controls just drawing a custom look and feel (using gdi+?)). The majoritiy of these controls have transparent segments for irregular shapes etc. </p>
  
  <p><em>Problem</em>: I am looking to overlay a semi-transparent (irregularly shaped) panel over a group of controls. Currently I Clip the covering panel to the region of the controls involved. This works fine and the results look good, however the process is so slow.</p>
  
  <p><em>Question</em>: Is there some manner I can speed up the rendering process by mixing in a little OpenGL/DirectX and getting the video card to perform all the necessary rendering rather than relying on the rather slow CPU?</p>