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 I use an outdated Dell Pentium 4, 1.4GHZ, running Windows XP.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 (38)
blonderella
wow Mark, very innovative and original...you're breaking new ground here...magnificent work!
abreojos
Very interesting and innovative.
wholehog
Wow...This is fantastic! Great attention to detail...the surface map is incredible! The caustics look great too! Amazing piece of work!!
artgum
Brilliant stuff- what a wonderful concept.
Coreycupcake
Beautiful artwork and very innovative.
Foxfire66
Definately "New Ground". That's a really incredible render Mark. Magnificant surface application.... textures and color. Extremely well done. The whole render is Awsome! Ya need to add some umbrellas and chairs around the "pool" though!! :-) What a GREAT concept for a Resort Hotel Pool area!!!
ppetersen
Simply out of this world. While you may not be 'happy' Mark, that 'bath' is gorgeous, beautiful surfacing, POV and light... a gorgeous one.
RubyDancingmoon
absolutely wonderful concept and render. It is sure worth all those hours of render time. Amazing!
Laerrus
Excellent. This looks really cool.
Morgana61
Realizzazione diversa ma con un suo fascino...excellent render!
Micter
Excellent work !
Buzzzzz
Cool overlay work Mark!
Darthmagus
Great work but where are the girls?
shantay
Impressive! Great concept and overlay, love this one!
prutzworks
cool overlay work, like the caustics. well done
sanosoke
Excellent work here Mark, I see you really moving to something on a higher level. . .amazing. Love the concept here, and your grass is perfect
superza
Outstanding work!! Imho May be caustics should be more tiled to improve water photorealism of this incredible render!
kanzler
Very creative work.Like the overlays very much!
Petra-S
Genial creation, surface/textur, light and image!
Rich2
You just keep 'em coming! Astounding in every respect!
ChefC
Bravo Great work all around. Caustic's is awesome
doneydonydone
hey leave those caustics alone - they look ace! great job with the overlays again and cool idea for this one!!
jtag
I'm agree with peten, where are the girls? Superbe and creative work. V
wizardofnoz
WOW this is absolutely creative!!!!
emailandthings
Very very very very creative....
Tiwiwine
I absolutly love this kind of picture. Old ruins, mysteries, strange rocks in the jungle... really excellent ! More, please !
jrsaldana
love the terr....excellent sfr.....beautiful job my friend
twistednoodle
I love everything here! Esp the caustics! This is very very impressive!!! Wonderful!
Fahrenheit451
Awesome work Mark!
Kosmicman
Great Work!!! Inka-World