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 I use an outdated Dell Pentium 4, 1.4GHZ, running Windows XP.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 (34)
crazymonkey69
hey very nice work here...love the surface in the foreground...postwork fits in nicely too :D
artgum
The water and surface textures make this one come alive. Excellent!
angelbearzs
outstanding scene and excelllent!!!:)
Buzzzzz
Wicked Post-Work Mark!
bkhook
WOW! Way cool Markal. I love this... everything! V
wholehog
Right on! Great space piece! Perfect setting and the PW is awesome!!
Belladzines
awesome work!!
Rich2
A fun composition - wish I had the smarts for something like this. I see that you adroitly positioned the ships so PW of reflections on water wasn't necessary... More - please!
ppetersen
Beautiful terrain Mark... the ships are a plus here, they suit this so well. Excellent surfacing, beautiful water settings... wow.. SKYWORK...
Maori
I think that this is absolutely FABULOUS and amazing work!!! EXCELLENTISSIMO!!!! V
Dixiem47
First off I like the terrain.Very nice pov.. Almost looks like it could be an ancient city. Water and overlays are excellent. The ships fit well in this scene.And this golden ATMO. is stunning.
Thelby
Excellent stuff!!! Keep em coming, I'm gleaming off them!
jrsaldana
Awesone work....excellent
blackstylekyle
nice!!!
SusiQ
I really like it. That colouring makes an incredible sunrise. I just wish I was in one of the ships up there. The view would be amazing.
Morgana61
Bellissima scena spaziale...il terreno sulla destra e' fantastico, come fai a creare quella superficie? Sembrano pietre vere, e' incredibilmente realistico, colori splendidi. Bravissimo! Superb work!
choronr
Agree; your post work and composition are excellent. This has that futuristic feel.
EccyEccyPtang
Impressive work, well done!
1pearl
Wonderful work !! Excellent !!!
Simpleworks
A beautiful world I would love to visit sometime.
azrabella
Can't find fault with this... perfect from the top down. I absolutely love the foreground texturing. Magnificent work.
Zazie
Sehr bedrohliche Szene, gut gemacht, vor allem die Flugzeuge !
edlo
Amazing the whole piece is superb but the texturing with overlay goes beyond that is masterfull
Akhira
Most excellent !
Tiwiwine
Very nice work, finely realized.
twistednoodle
Love the tex overlay in the foreground! Love the sandy scree slope - love the postwork and creepy colours!!
Fahrenheit451
Fabulous work! The ships are superb!
leanndra
Mark, A beautifully dramatic concept wonderfully realized! Love the sky and moons! Outstanding artwork!
zaberc
EXCELLENT !
gradient
sweet lighting and xlt postwork...more please!