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.
ÂÂ
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 I use an outdated Dell Pentium 4, 1.4GHZ, running Windows XP.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 (24)
Domi48
Beautiful.
einarsst
Fantastic scene!
wholehog
Brilliant space shot Mark! Love the surface colors and details...superb postwork on the planet as well!
hollishi
perfect surface and wonderful pov..
Mondwin
Looks really fantastic..bravo:DDD.Hugsxx
RubyDancingmoon
Fantastic image! I love those surface layers and the overall colors here...excellent work!
Kosmicman
Supergreat Colours!!!! Super-Work Again one of your best Works
Maori
AMAZING!!!!!!!!
Foxfire66
One of the BEST surfacing Jobs I've ever seen. The Coloring and the "cracks" are perfect. I really like the lighter "mist" type area to the back. GREAT Job! Cool Plante too! :-)
abreojos
Love the moon...excellent job!
TallPockets
Brilliant artwork!!
kanzler
Superb terrain, surface and pw. Very beautiful space art!
doneydonydone
atmos colours are excellent - cool low haze!! overlays are excellent as is the planet postwork! love that little moon too!!
1402dandoy
Excellent surfacing, nice mist and wonderful colors.
Dotthy
absolutely terrific, excellent!!!!!!!!!!
shantay
Lovely sci-fi feel to this image, impressive surfacing and superb low mist!
artgum
An outstanding job Mark!
christianfly
The work you have made on overlays is amazing.
WeeLaddie
Excellent work; especially surfacing overlays (fizured rock). And super moon too.
ppetersen
I love this Mark!!!!! I have that terrain, but haven't used it yet. Your surfacing is incredible. Beautiful light and tonals...
DIANE603
WOW!! This is outstanding!!
pixeltek
We all have our favorites. This is one of mine now. Enough said. I wish I could get a larger image of it.
e-brink
Stunning!
bcbc
This one is just awesome.