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 I use an outdated Dell Pentium 4, 1.4GHZ, running Windows XP.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 (36)
vice
Vision. Imagination. Creativity. Excellence Ilikeitalot 5X5 your friend VICE!
Chipka
This is a superb image. Keep up the good work, 'cause I definitely want to see more.
NefariousDrO
Very beautiful. Excellent colors.
modyfree
Well done!
3Dsmacker
now this is a really really good SF render. Belongs on the cover of a good SF novel. You should be rewarded for this. +5
Kattey
I like all your green skies :) Thank you very much.
artgum
An almost creepy mood here- and yet it's warm and calming at the same time. The water caustics is a nice touch.
Fahrenheit451
Fabulous! This definately works!!
mamabobbijo
Great sky! The haze is so eerie. I love the odd ripple effect in the water, as though the world were shaking. BJ
shayhurs
Nicely done!
DeathTwister
Wow your work is simply amazing my friend
efflux
Nice work. I love the alien atmosphere in this.
choronr
This one has me gazing and gazing; simply beautiful work Mark - however, I would like to see a 'Buy Hoover at Lowe's' billboard somewhere among those mountains!
flamegfx
wonderful depth and colors!! I'd love to know your settings about water hehe!
Darthmagus
Splendid mood!
athesdan
very great atmosphere !
superior
Superb colors and atmos !!! Great composition ;)
Petra-S
super colors, light and effect!
alf15000
In this case, "simple works" ! Great sci-fi pic !
WeeLaddie
Simple always works when it's done well, and this is very well done. Great dof and atmospherics, and the caustics is a magical touch.
superza
Great depth here!
nfrocer
Beautiful atmosphere, terrain and water!
kanzler
Wonderful atmo and water!
Savage_dragon
It works! ")
Dotthy
fantastic planet you explore ;)
X-PaX
Everything fits perfect together. Well done Mark.
Bleurelatif
Another hit!!
KatesFriend
Fantastic exotic scene and the green hue is perfect.
inkydigit
I think that tyhis is cool...love the toxic green ness!!!
shantay
A believable alien/green atmosphere for this superb image, love the POV!