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 I use an outdated Dell Pentium 4, 1.4GHZ, running Windows XP.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 (22)
mikeerson
great look'n picture love the blues... Hey, I put a new upload called "I wanna know you better" in my gallery. It's a picture of me... but... I have a link that I want you to go too. I've wanted to do this for years. I have favorite artist of all different languages and sometimes I don't remember where they are from, so I created this link... I would like it very much if you were on it too, since you are one of my favorite artist... check it out, please.
amota99517
This is so beautiful. The colors are wonderful and the lighting really brings out the beauty of your piece. Splendidly done!
dantescanto
I love this. Great sky.
artgum
Excellent scene- the surface textures almost give it a Mojoworld feel.
DeathTwister
Oh cool freaking awesome dude.
BenBischop
Beautiful Work.....!! Saw you on the maps, Cool....;)
KatesFriend
I like the look of the ringed planet seem neseled in the cloud blank. Dreamy effect.
Seaview123
Very nice picture! Good work.
PapaSkip
Love the colors in this! Fantastic image!
grafikeer
Great image...nice ring effects and overall scene...cool terrain work and textures!
faroutsider
Great terrain and sky. Another superb image from the captain's log...
kasalin
Wonderful textures and mood, Mark !!
ialora
Ooo! I particularly like the texture on this one.
lyron
Fascinating work!
Chaosphoto
Very impressive place and imagination
X-PaX
Cool textures and very nice moon. Excellent work.
Porthos
Another masterpiece, nice job on the planet rings! :)
amirapsp
This is gorgeous...Hugs
scifibabe
This is such a glorious picture. I loved it almost instantly. Wonderful colors and great textures. Love those rings! Bravo!
capitanpescanova
Really excellent landscape.I love it.
tetsu-pino
Fantastic scene!!! Great work!!!
blacq_nyght_vampyre
Beautiful! WoW!