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 I use an outdated Dell Pentium 4, 1.4GHZ, running Windows XP.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 (27)
juca
Excenlent terragem art!! Perfect composition and rendering.
mamabobbijo
Mark, it is exquisite! Thanks BJ
artgum
Wonderful image and nice dedication.
Star4mation
Beautifully done Mark. Superb terrain and lighting :)
KatesFriend
Wonderful scene.
Rich2
Excellently lit & sublime surfaces - (and starting to miss our lovely planet) - But you sure can put together a thoughtful and inspiring theme!
bkhook
Way cool Mark... love the Buttes and the sky .....
athesdan
superb work !
Thelby
Cool Image!!!
prutzworks
dramatic lighting here and fine surface work; worth the dedication!
Raven78
Thanks for sharing this! Beautiful :)
neo_primal
nice
Petra-S
Fantastic terragen..wonderful surface, light and mood!
Kattey
Very nice :)
space-traveller
I really like the peaceful mood
twistednoodle
Yeah but does her butte look big in this? LOL LOVE this picture! Its the rich green that does it for me - excellent image.
fractalinda
Don't know which I like better- the image or the dedi; both wonderful. Beautiful scene and outstanding work, Mark.
1402dandoy
Outstanding surfaces and lighting. Thanks for sharing.
sanosoke
I love this render Mark, really bravo!
HorseLips
Hey Markal!...really nice work with the grass surface...great terrain!
shantay
A dreamvision!
Bleurelatif
Great image !
kiki35
Love the lightning !
Savage_dragon
Beautiful dedi! ")
coleuspark7
Hi, Mark, My name is Ron Reid and as always I was browsing on your site and I noticed the wedding dedication you made. I have been a major fan of your work and I think your work is the main reason I am interested in space grafic arts. your imagination has exceeded any idea of expectation on what space art could be about. your galleries have always been the main theme on computer wallpapers, mobile phone wallpapers, ect... Please keep the atr flowing, for your imagination is genius. thank you, always. Your friend you never met. Ron Reid
9841007
What a Magical Wonder!
Wilby
Aaahhh yes. This is a stunner. I salute your choices of color, lighting and textures along with the forms. I love how you give just a tease of the horizon with it's glorious color only hinted at. And the overall balance is superb sez i.