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.
ÂÂ
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 I use an outdated Dell Pentium 4, 1.4GHZ, running Windows XP.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 (28)
NefariousDrO
This is extraordinary! Nice color-scheme for it, and that planet in the background is breath-taking. You make me want to learn how to use that copy of Terragen I downloaded ages ago.
nosawayne
Brilliant!
geirla
Great shoreline!
scifibabe
Beautiful scifi scene - great vibrant color and wonderful mood to this. Love the planet with rings in the background. You do amazing work with Terragen.
artgum
The ringed planet is the perfect compliment to the terrain. Excellent POV for this- another great render!
Alex_NIKO
Beautiful work!
Savage_dragon
As always, such great settings. Love the planet, too! ")
mikeerson
I really think what helped you in getting the honors of artist of the month is your attention to the shoareline.... just the little details make your pictures that much more.
wholehog
Oh Yeah!
gerberc
Excellent surface, especially the shoreline! Congratulations for being voted AOM!
kasalin
Wonderful again - like all your other sceneries - like the front with the pebbles most !! Excellent 1a!!
Petra-S
wieder ganz fantastisch..hier stimmt alles!
clam73
great details and terrain....excellent!
Darkwish
Really nicely done! EXT pic!
inkydigit
the magic is in the detail!
e-brink
Stunning scene!
DIANE603
I've been MIA since last Oct but I see you are still making these super images!!
GPensanti
BRAVO.............what more can be said.
Porthos
Outstanding work as always, beautifully done!
pakled
looks like Terragen is finally catching up with mojoworld...;) great stuff...
fractalinda
Love the low-tide and surface stones/texture. Another awesome render and mood.
DeathTwister
Ahh a very nice shot my brother.... 5er 4 sure... Oh I am working on the terrain you gave me to play with in TG2 and when I do post it, I will dedicate it to you my friend for inspiring me to play /smiles.....
faroutsider
Another superb work of art!
Kattey
I like how the light is fading. Very subtle.
tetsu-pino
Great!!!!
KatesFriend
Fantastic landscape and barren colours that reveal a stark rugged wonder.
capitanpescanova
Wow!!! Stunning palette of colours!!!
mamabobbijo
I love the nature made steps to the edge. The sky is as always amazing!