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 I use an outdated Dell Pentium 4, 1.4GHZ, running Windows XP.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 (29)
choronr
A lot of creativity went into this work; a work of patience, style and stunning composition. Mark, you are gifted ...this is beautiful.
jtag
Super complex work! Wonderful scifi world!
Mondwin
Really a wonderful and magical image..bravissimo!:DDD.Hugsxx
Domi48
Beautiful work but may I say that the cosmic background is, for me, too bright?
jrsaldana
excelente ......very nice work amigo
Kosmicman
wow, thats superfantastic and wonderful!! Big Compliment!
lior
A real outstanding MasterPiece!
Ionel
Very beautiful composition!!!
doneydonydone
we were due another machupiece - hehehe - i love the bright stars and the flame postwork - although i see the terrain as being a bit plain it still looks an excellent image - and thanks for the mini tutorial
Rich2
Stunning and original composition, Mark! The terracing gives the look intelligent design., and the gas jet, why it could only come from (...you guessed it!)
thecytron
Nice work!
pawpaw52
WOW! Obviously the flame of creativity burns bright in you ,my friend - a truly beautiful render!!
artgum
Fantastic, just fantastic!
cederleth
Excellent comp and beautiful scene!
LENK911
THIS IS AMAZING! SO AWESOME. YOUR WORK IS SO BEAUTIFUL AND FULL OF GRAND DETAIL. I WISH I COULD DO HALF AS GOOD. I RENDER ANGELS AND WOULD LOVE TO USE THIS WITH ONE OF THEM?
ppetersen
Mark this outdoes any that you've done. Magnificent mood, outstanding imagination!!!!! Superior to many I've seen here in space terms. The colors are gorgeous, beautiful terrain, surfacing and light... Wow...
Morgana61
Il tuo spazio e' sempre uno spettacolo...wonderful work!
TallPockets
Gorgeous work!!
kanzler
What a fantastic work!I love your pw here!
9841007
That's sooooo HOT!!!!!
shantay
A fountain of light! Wonderful and crazy sky, your PW skills are incredible!
blonderella
DANNNNNNNNNGGGGGGG...Mark!! I agree, definitely a Machupiece ;)~ this is magnificent...I LOVE it, it absolutely takes my breath away...I keep going back to look at it...this is a printer for sure...
twistednoodle
Oh this is lovely! Great colours - terrific idea and one helluva terrain. Excellent stuff!!
herbstliebe
very nice composed!
Arkanias4
A beautiful composition.Thanks for sharing your cosmic vision :)
stbc
Very cool space concept piece!!!
barticus
Thats just beautiful!
Coreycupcake
Beautiful image, Mark. Amazing and detailed postwork and prework with all your texture layers make this an outstanding piece. Your visions of our Universe are superb to say the least!
ginga
Wonderful scene. Great mood and great colors. Keep up the good work :)