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 I use an outdated Dell Pentium 4, 1.4GHZ, running Windows XP.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 (26)
abuyhia
awesome image .... great work.
blindsay
Lovely image...
chippwalters
Wow. Great image. I didn't know Terragen had foamy shoreline effects like that. Super! :-)
artgum
Truly beautiful Mark!
Savage_dragon
Gorgeous image! ")
KatesFriend
Enchanting site. One wonders what alien worlds are truly like. I like it.
drifterlee
Gorgeous!!!
prutzworks
cool pov, strata / surface and surf
azrabella
Apart from the technichal side of things here, this really sings to the soul... so too do the words.
Petra-S
super image!
cphilrun
Another great one !!
Raven78
Stunning piece of work!
mamabobbijo
Someone once said, " ..For I have loved the stars too much, to ever fear the night." My feelings exactly. That will be my next great adventure, when I'm gone from here look for me there. Awesome as always, BJ
wizardofnoz
U r right. So right. Beautiful reflective thot, and a mystical picture to enhance those words. XLT! +10
doneydonydone
anoter markal masterpiece!!! stunning surface texture on the middle mountain and excellent clouds!!
stbc
Mark, this is just superbe in all aspects. The light, the color and the composition! Bravo!
Kosmicman
Great done i very like it!
Bleurelatif
Great one !
carlx
Awesome artwork!!!!!!
kanzler
That is a special Markal! Wonderful!
Tiwiwine
A very nice composition.
superza
Great water and Overlay surfaces! Superb image overall!
Fairelady
beautiful! i love to look at the sky at night,so much beauty :)
shantay
Really splendid!
9841007
So lovely!
ppetersen
Words so true Mark. Beautiful sky... excellent terrain, pov and surfacing... one of your 'reflective' images. Words and picture give that feel.