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 I use an outdated Dell Pentium 4, 1.4GHZ, running Windows XP.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)
shingleboot
Beautiful! Simply Awesome!
biomechanical
cool image, great pov, the moons are a nice touch.
KatesFriend
Terrific sharp colours.
emailandthings
that screams collab part II!!! :-P
Savage_dragon
Just perfect. Love the colors! ")
janedj
Fantastic beautiful image!!!!Hugs Jane
DarkStormCrow
Excellent space scape very well done , kudos...
artgum
Majestic!
TallPockets
Wonderful work!!
Petra-S
super water and light!
mikeerson
love the double moon shot... gives it that fantasy, futuristic feel.
Django
very fine allover mood, superb lighting
mamabobbijo
I love this place. There appears to be some steps carved into the cliffside halfway up on the right. Perhaps a birdwatchers paradise. Love the double moons.
DeathTwister
Wonderful as always my friend.
choronr
Master craftsmanship here ...tis a beauty Mark.
Rich2
Always entertaining to see an original Makalian "Steeps" scene - especially with a low POV like this!
fractalinda
Awesome and beautiful work, Mark. Excellent!
Kattey
Very lovely!
DukeNukem2005
It is a very nice image! Wonderful idea! Very beautiful composition! This job very much has liked to me! Five stars!
voske
Wonderful!!!Love the colours,reflections,moons...all Excellent job as usual!!!