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 I use an outdated Dell Pentium 4, 1.4GHZ, running Windows XP.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 (37)
mejed
This is fantastic...I`m afraid of heights, and when this loaded up, it got the old heart-a-pumping. Love it.
fredric_lpn
Very good job of textures, really original work. it misses stains in postwork for more realism...
Simpleworks
Wow this is outstanding work. Didn't think it was terragen. V
fractalinda
yea, yea :~)
blonderella
ditto the heights thingy...I've got shivers running up and down my spine looking at it...dang!!! magnificent in all aspects including originality and creativity!!
louly
Wow! Fantastic scene, light and POV!
Gunglejim
This is a fantastic view Mark and some great lighting and use of overlays. You make it look so easy. NOT!!! LOL Thanks for sharing and maybe see one from me. :o)
wholehog
Colossal piece of work Mark! Great overhead view...fantastic job of texturing! Excellent!!
Morgana61
Fantastico sia il punto di vista che il lavoro in generale. Wonderful!
jtag
Great terrain and overlay. Superbe POV! Masterpiece. Thnaks sharing! V
sanosoke
Magnificent! This piece makes me smile. . .a lot. . .so I must really be a billionaire!
AndyWelder
Though I'm not afraid of heights I can only agree with blonderella. More, more, please!
Mondwin
Superbly artpiece!!!!Excellent!!bravo!V:DDD.Hugsxx
Darthmagus
I'm found of your excellent series! Bravo!
kanzler
From this pov it looks very excellent too!
RubyDancingmoon
oooohhhhh vertigo big time here! This is Wonderful! I love the surfacing, textures, lighting...the whole thing! EXCELLENT JOB ALL ROUND! :o)
abreojos
No way am I tired of this. What a perspective! Excellent, excellent, excellent!!! Thanks again for sending me this terrain.
MoppelundWilli
I love your new masterpiece as much as your lines below...Mark, you are great! :D
Savage_dragon
This surpases perfection. A job very well done! V ")
sandpiper6
I bow before thee, master...Mark, you're the best. Your work never ceases to impress me.
Foxfire66
That POV is just Incredible Mark! As is the terrain and textures. A real Masteriece!
WeeLaddie
You've come up with an amazing formula here, Mark. And you've rendered it very effectively. Congratulations.
artgum
This terrain seems to yield an unlimited amount of fabulous images- keep it up!
me109
Top version of this terrain. Is it water, that blurs the lower part of the pic?
Rich2
We don't see the ortho view from you often, Mark - I gotta say, you pulled it off quite nicely! Yes, enjoy this as a hobby & have fun!
shantay
Superb render and awesome view! V More, please! :)
doneydonydone
amazing view and amazing surfaces yet again - colours/shadows and lighting all look great! - thx for sharing the files too!
doneydonydone
amazing view and amazing surfaces yet again - colours/shadows and lighting all look great! - thx for sharing the files too!
christianfly
Mark, this is something that I like really a lot. Please, continue, we are not tired of it. Have fun, take pleasure, this is the only true important thing!
ppetersen
I'll be dropping you a line then Mark... love the terrain and would love to have a go at it. Superb view of this again. Love the ortho gives a sense of the vastness you've created. Excellent surfacing and atmosphere...