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 I use an outdated Dell Pentium 4, 1.4GHZ, running Windows XP.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 (23)
Arraxxon
A very subtle shaped and believable alien planet terrain done in Terragen ! And yes, our sun is really a small one compared to many extremely huge suns in our universe :) ! Six more ? Keep them coming ... Wish youg great new year 2008, too !
choronr
Thank you for this information; and, the beautiful scene. Just last night we observed Orion and it's belt. I understand that the placement of the Egyptian pyramids mimic the same pattern. Happy New Year Mark.
Kattey
Have a nice new year! :)
OrphanedSoul
A very sureal and wonderful image!
DreamersWish
Awesome work! Very mystical and beautiful! Well done and Happy New Year!
highcrow
Very beautiful! I want to visit as soon as possible! The depth is just amazing!Really fantastic!!
artgum
Excellent work throughout 2007 Mark- keep up the inspiration!
KatesFriend
Rigel 7 had that huge ancient fortress and those barbarian warriors that Pike had to fight (twice). Given its incredible brightness, it is also unlikely that Rigel will last long enough for planets (if they are there) to evolve to the point of being habitable. A pity, but it is great to dream. Great scene.
Savage_dragon
Wow, awesome job, Mark! Happy new year to you! ")
PapaSkip
Awesome colors in this! What a beautiful image and a great render!
barticus
Love it!
fractalinda
Awesome scape- cool terrain and great depth. Love the colors and sky. Happy New Year, Mark!
nosawayne
Beautiful image, and wonderful thoughts of what there is in the cosmos for us to discover! Happy New Year!
Patapon
Nice blue mist. Happy new year !
WeeLaddie
Love the harsh blue/black tones of this rugged terrain, and the mist lying on the water; another excellent render.
Petra-S
Fantastic atmo, light and colors..brilliant sky.....Happy New Year!
azrabella
Thanks Mark - love it. Funnily enough I was toying with the idea of doing one with Betelgeuse hung in the sky - well, occupying virtually all the sky. Perhaps they would make good companion pieces... hummmmm - now an idea has hatched!
carlx
Excellent sci-fi composition and mood!!!
shantay
Happy new Year to you. Beautiful terrain and image... the sky and the low mist are truly wonderful!
janedj
Beautiful image nd work!!!Hugs Jane
Alex_NIKO
Cool work! Happy New Year!!!
ppetersen
WOW... Love the look of the clouds here against that huge moon Mark. Beautiful cool colors give a feel of chill in the air... wonderfully done.
efron_241
cool strange mist effet.. greenish.. that is sooo special. Love this one.