sgames ,graphics help ?

okay im relatively proficient in vb.net (as you can tell im not with english :)) i was considering the idea of creating games as maybe a good way of learning the better graphics features be it the gdi+ library or even the dreaded dx lol i was wondering if anybody could get me started ?
 
im looking to create a game thats more or less a clone of star defender or laserage (if you google youll see what i mean)
basically youre a space ship and progress through levels in a psace inviders style kind of way but more advanced and have the ability to upgrade weapons by collecting powerups
any takers on helping >?
 
thanks in advance for any help