Who is 'Markal'?
Markal is Mark Edwards who lives in Mississippi – originally from Indianapolis, Indiana. I retired from the U.S. Air Force in 2003 after 23 years and decided to stay here in the warm gulf coast south along with my wife, two daughters and three grandchildren.
How long have you been rendering/doing computer graphics?
My last five years in the Air Force I designed and developed computer-based training. We used PhotoShop, Flash and even wrote code in HTML, so I guess I started in the late 90’s. My terragen work began in 2003.
Do you have traditional art experience?
No real art experience just the standard art classes in high school and college.
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What are you currently working on?
I’m working on a collaboration with a Bryce artist…he is making a ship for one of my space landscape images. Learning Terragen 2 and possibly Vue may be in the works soon.
What software/equipment do you use and why?
Software used is Terragen .9.43, PaintShopPro 7 and LunarCell. I use an outdated Dell Pentium 4, 1.4GHZ, running Windows XP. I was going to upgrade but, this very large screen HDTV deal fell into my lap so I had to upgrade my other love…. watching Blue-Ray movies…first. Hopefully I’ll upgrade to a quad 4 before the end of the year.
What do you think your best piece of work is and why?
One of my latest favorites is Rigel III. The foreground is a stone BMP overlay I applied in Terragen…. the shading and shadows were in-line with the sun angle and it worked very well. The only post work was the LunarCell moons and I think they also add a realistic touch. It still amazes me how computer graphics can make an imaginary place look so real and believable.
Why do you like to work with 3D software?
It’s a fun hobby for me and when I focus on the work it carries me away from the hustle and worries of this world.ÂÂ
Who/what inspires you?
All the wonderful artists here at ReRo are great inspirations. National Geographic Magazine, NASA and all the space missions has also influenced and inspired me. Of course our creator….Almighty God….the greatest artist of all.
How has this online community (Renderosity) enhanced your work, relationships, and learning?
Not only comments but also other artists sharing their files have helped me grow artistically by leaps and bounds.
Parting Comments / Advice to other Artists?
I try to focus on what I love. I have a passion for Space Art so 99% of my work is Space art. Some may think I need to branch out and explore other areas but I say branch out to what….something I don’t love? Go with what you love and your rewards will be many.
Comments (35)
Mondwin
Magical and sublime image!!!Fabulous work!!bravo!V:DDD
CosmicAir
Silent and strong! Excellent scene with beautiful vivid colors!!
Thelby
Very nice terrain. The underwater overlay is superb, really looks natural. I like the tree and the Vegetation color match very well. Excellent night time sky also!!!
Maori
Splendid composition and the detail is fabulous!! Excellent work my friend!!!! V
Darthmagus
Great work, esp. lighting and foreground texture!
azrabella
This is lovely.
phasic
stunning ... such a realistic render! awesome PW and i love the texture in the foreground!
Rich2
A departure from your sci-fi themes - and nicely done!
athesdan
excellent !
DigiArts
Exquisite. A significant and beautiful concept, and your work is superb in all aspects.
Kosmicman
perfekt!
wholehog
Superb composition! All the elements look great in this. Wonderful attention to detail. Excellent work!!
Dixiem47
Now Mark this is a true masterpiece. I could sit and look at this all day long.I would love to see how this looks in hard copy. And I would love to have it as my desktop wallpaper if You don't mind?
Steeleyes101
Wow!!! This is so beautiful almost surreal in it clearity. Beautifully wonderful work of art
Tiwiwine
Splendid ! There's some magic in this picture. The idea of the tree is wonderful. A real beauty !
Costaud
Remarkalable image.
Fahrenheit451
Excellent!
Simpleworks
Lovely mood, Excellent postwork and TG render.
webwings
Beautiful. I like the foreground textures and rock formations. Tree makes a great centre of interest.
Plantagenaut
Your kicking ass!V
Morgana61
Un'immagine spettacolare! Fantastic work!
LordWexford
Wonderfully executed image.
MoppelundWilli
Wooow Markal, lovely composition! Amazing atmo and light, superb pw, this is your best imho. I love it! V
ppetersen
Unbelievable feel to this Mark... outstanding work, such a sense of peace and beauty this evokes. Stunning concept, beautifully created... Surfaces, atmosphere, POV beyond words...Pure magic!!!!!!
choronr
A striking composition Mark. The elements in all are very beautiful together ...excellence!
Montanan
I know about the Tree of Life, nice work here :)
EoinArmstrong
Wonderful concept, tex/srf work and water; love the colours and the tree's reflection is really well done :)
blacq_nyght_vampyre
Very serene and comforting! Beautifully done.
stbc
Now this one is real special. I like this one better than most, because it has a simple, but perfectly executed idea. Not too busy or complicated. Elegant work, Mark.
HorseLips
Unique lighting is special...work well done!