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 I use an outdated Dell Pentium 4, 1.4GHZ, running Windows XP.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 (33)
ialora
Wow! Spectacular image!
Petra-S
genial POV, colors, textur...super sky!
brylaz
Wow - Fantastic work!!!!
Chipka
Superb work! Amazing colors and mood! You've rendered a world I'd love to explore!
Savage_dragon
One of the few I've seen that really looks like a world. Beautiful terrain! Is that neb' spitting out a star? Looks like he's pissed at that planet. Excellent work, Mark! ")
mamabobbijo
Amazing view! There appears to be an atmosphere around the planet, are we visiting soon?
thecytron
Sure is very colorful!
azrabella
Nice one Markal... I know what you mean about the bad times, but this surely makes up for them. *****
Kattey
Very dramatic picture Thank you.
stbc
Spectacular colors and planet work, Mark. Kudos for sticking with it.
kanzler
Wow!What a great space image.Really wonderful!
Icarus5
Love the picture, its excellent! If I could criticize a bit, (and I shouldn't, cause I'm nowhere near this good :P ) I feel like the boundary between atmosphere/space is a little to sharp and well defined, so the background looks a little out of place. Just nitpicking a wonderful image though!
Patapon
Magnificent. Dense... Happy to read some masters have problems too... The problem for me is that Terragen is ALWAYS unkind to me : despite all my efforts, I simply can't use this software ! Excellent Mark...
gr8lykr
great job..!!
shayhurs
Certainly made up for it with this one! Nice job!
Maori
Another beauty!
artgum
Well, the terrible streak must be over- this is a jem for sure! Very cool sci fi image Mark.
Rich2
Wow - quite a departure for you, ol buddy... Love the low-orbital view! I don't think either version of TG is always kind to anyone. You should see my trashcan...
choronr
Good one Markie; you need to fire up TG2 and take the next step.
X-PaX
This looks very realistic. Well done.
TallPockets
I only WISH that "I" could do such "TERRIBLE" works!! WINK. T.P.
kiteflyer
Awesome Scene , Awesome Colours and Great Detail
KatesFriend
Fantastic scene.
nosawayne
Fantastic!
digitaldreggs
Outstanding imagery ... carry on!
blacq_nyght_vampyre
I am always so pleased to view your gallery! Fantastic work.
voske
Wonderful!!!Excellent work!!!
MagikUnicorn
MAGNIFICENT !
9841007
I'm loving it!
barticus
Fab stuff!!! Of the highest quality!