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 I use an outdated Dell Pentium 4, 1.4GHZ, running Windows XP.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 (27)
bkhook
OMG.. you remember them? LOL me too. This rocks! Awesome render! BTW.. check out the new Tool CD it rocks!
pamelafryer
Awesome image.
wingnut55
this is very nice.
jtag
Excellent composition, absolutly outstanding atmosphere! Magical Mark!
RubyDancingmoon
This is wonderful! I love the surface work on those rocks, the blue mist and the castle standing proud upon the rock watching over....and I remember them too... have some here still along with others of the era!! lol
Belladzines
too cool!! this is just fantastic!!
wholehog
Ahh, a true "Heepster"! ;) After seeing your "Demons and Wizards" image I looked up Uriah Heep on the net...you know those guys are still touring! Unreal! Fantastic work here...you really caught the mood of the era. I wonder if the 2070's will be as great as the 1970's ;) Thanks for the memories!!
morghana
FANTASTIC!!!!!!! V
lior
Stunning!!!!!!!!!!!!V
ChefC
Nice tribute
Morgana61
E' proprio un ambiente da favola! Fantastic work!
Gunglejim
WOW!! Awesome image!! The castle looks as though it was carved right out of the rock. Excellent PW.
choronr
A picture to behold ...outstanding one Mark!
joshus_hund
Xlt pov and composition. Magic!! ;-)
MaydaMason
so mysterious!
hillrunner
Cool image !
Zazie
Magical atmosphere and colours ! Beautiful sky, wow !
doneydonydone
excellent work even though in my opinion the castle is well out of focus - love the terrain and POV you have acheived - excellent colours and awesome postwork!
Dixiem47
This is jaw droping work once again Mark.You sure have been on a roll.One masterpiece after another I think the castle looks wonderful once again.Outstanding work.
shantay
Another incredible fantasy world! I like this kind of images, and love this one!V
TwiddleDee
Wonderful!
fractilian
beautiful sky
ppetersen
Another beauty Mark... although from this angle I can honestly imagine in my head a wonderful drake flying above the ramparts of the castle. Excellent surfacing, beautiful POV here, stunning skywork... gorgeous.
blonderella
absolutely kick @ss image Mark!! as good a piece of art as the music...man, I love Uriah Heep...those were some kewl times...Let's all go to the magician's birthday, It's in the forest, but not so far away, Much to do and so much to say, While we listened to the orchid orchestra play. V
Ethereal1
Beautiful work.
bcbc
Cool effects, gives great look.
Danny_G
This is beautiful