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 I use an outdated Dell Pentium 4, 1.4GHZ, running Windows XP.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.Â
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 (20)
spm91g
Incredible work!!
Fahrenheit451
Excellent!
Maori
Beautiful energetic sky!!!!!!!!!!!!!
markon
Excellent image
KatesFriend
What wonderous places to dream of.
choronr
A dreamy place; a place to to mount your telescope - beautiful one Mark.
artgum
Love the water- that's a spectacular background.
Daramski
Fantastic render, very nice:)
mamabobbijo
Enraptured by the sky, I'd have to wait for sunup. BJ
janedj
Amazing!!!!!
Petra-S
Fantastic sky, light and mood!
azrabella
Reminds me of my own backyard after sundown (in my dreams)... super vista.
X-PaX
I like the water. Very nice work.
Plantagenaut
SUPER JOB
DMoulton
Markel This has got to be the most gorgeous work of art that I have seen in a very long time. just outstanding keep them coming always.
Rich2
Mark, you know your art would always keep me awake. I find it stimulating, refreshing, and provoca ...ZZZZ... tive ...ZZZZZZZZ...
kanzler
The backround fits superb with the surface colors and the light. Wonderful!
Savage_dragon
Amazing work. Stunning! ")
NefariousDrO
Very well done. You did an excellent job of merging the HST image with your Terragen render. Cool!
shantay
Beautiful dreamy sky and excellent overall image!