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 I use an outdated Dell Pentium 4, 1.4GHZ, running Windows XP.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 (28)
DarkStormCrow
Excellent scene, well done...
faroutsider
Assignment passed with distinction! Excellent work.
gerberc
Awesome surface and clouds!
DanteDAnthony
Great work. Very moving!
brylaz
Great world!!! Nice place to discover....
mikeerson
But... I didn't understand it all - lol Glade I'm not getting graded... you'll still get your A... well, 5pt. - lol
azrabella
I'm always in awe of this place you have created... always!
Petra-S
super light and textur!
Porthos
Awesome terrain and atmosphere!
tetsu-pino
Fantastic scenery...Great render!!!
inkydigit
agree with Rob...another winner!
Savage_dragon
I love the surface on this one. Neat atmo & that moon looks juicy enough to peel & eat. ")
Risus
Beautiful coloring and texture!
Alex_NIKO
Excellent work!
capitanpescanova
Superb terrain and atmosphere!!!
DeathTwister
Haha very nice work Bro and yes I love his Writing as well, looks like we both Sci Fi Nuts ROTFL, awesome work Bro.
kasalin
Genial !!! Suuuuuuuuuuuuuuper surface and work !! A masterpiece of you !!
thecytron
Awesome Scenery!
X-PaX
Very nice image Mark. The terrain looks great and the surface is perfect. Also the nice moon. By the way, have you tried out the new World Machine version?
artgum
Awesome work as always!
scifibabe
Awesome space scene. Beautiful terrain and textures. Love the color. Excellent text to accompany the picture. Great job!
NefariousDrO
Now that's just what I love about your work, evocative, beautiful and mysterious!
Art_Ramos
This image reminds me of "The Engines Of God" by Jack McDevitt. It's a highly recommended read!
Darkwish
Cool work! I like this one!
fractalinda
Love the lighting, colors and evocative mood. Very cool terrain and overlay work. Excellent!
prutzworks
great lighting
clam73
great terrain and textures...lovely colors!
alida
great work,realistic notwithstanding your aim:)