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 I use an outdated Dell Pentium 4, 1.4GHZ, running Windows XP.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)
janedj
Beautiful image, fantastic color!!!!!!!
RGUS
Geeeeezus.... FANTASTIC!!!!!!
space-traveller
I like this one a lot. Especially the terrain construction and the glowing water.
Raven78
This is great! Wonderful terrain and cool atmo :)
Petra-S
Winderbares Licht, fantastische Stimmung und super landschaft!
abcblair
Wonderful! There is an ancient feel to it.
Mondwin
WOW...looks sooooo magical!!!Bravissimo!:DDD.Hugsxx Whylma
X-PaX
Beautiful image Mark. Very cool terrain. I like the water and that little hill with the stairs. Very nice surface also.
shantay
A dream in blue and a gorgeous landscape! Bravo, Mark!!!
doneydonydone
the low misty glow looks excellent and i love the steps featured in the middle -- where do they lead to??
thecytron
Excellent composition!
artgum
Love that water- almost irradescent; not quite water or mist.
Savage_dragon
Superb! ")
DIANE603
Outstanding!! Especially the lighting and those stairs!!
HorseLips
Interesting circular terrain!...I love the stairs. The milky blue water looks great
Maori
Awesome, Mark!!!!
Fahrenheit451
AWESOME!
1402dandoy
Wonderful place! I only wonder why no one is bathing!
Micter
I like the way that you play with the glow !
kanzler
Love the blue colors!
Kosmicman
Great like a historic place with that stairs in the middle.
mamabobbijo
AH! To be there on the topmost peak. Settled in to watch the stars nightly dance! BJ
ppetersen
LOVE this terrain Mark. The view gives it an 'ancient' look. Perhaps flooded by waters or some disaster. Superb mood and light. And yes the blues suit this perfectly!!!!
cajomi
superb composition!
superza
Fantastic! the light spread on the water is simply beautifull!
Tiwiwine
Excellent render !
wizardofnoz
I like this best.... STUNNING!
PattyMD
outstanding work!
bcbc
Really like the use of ruins in this one.