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 I use an outdated Dell Pentium 4, 1.4GHZ, running Windows XP.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 (38)
luvjoyjoy
Marvelous
Maori
Beautiful planet and water!!!
shingleboot
Impressive! Beautiful work my friend.
Mondwin
Amazing artpiece!!!!!!!!!!!!!bravissimo!V:DDD.Hugsxx Whylma. Happy Holidays to You!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
tulipe
Amazing and beautiful!
thefixer
Fantastic!!
mikeerson
This is a super job. YOU HAVE BEEN FAVORITIZED!!! ... GOT a wicked idea of a picture of crayon buildings pointing to the sky and having a planet being scribbled on - cool vision, but have to many other things to do - feel free to make it if you feel inspired.
CATMANDO
Excellent work. Love it.
Octaganoid
Great looking moon, looks very caustic !
Savage_dragon
I think one of them melted into the water. Super effects, Mark! ***** ")
Kaartijer
Awesome view, excellent work!
lyron
Very cool work!!
ialora
I love the colors of the water and the fuzzy moon. Makes me want to reach out a touch it. :)
faroutsider
Superb work, Mark! The water is marvelous, and I just love the title.
Rich2
Ah - you're back in business! This is the Markal we know and love! Well, in a manly-kind of way, I mean.
amapitodd
Great scene. Excellent lighting and colors.
DeathTwister
Sweet sweet sweet
BenBischop
Amazing....!!!!
choronr
Simply suberb+!!!
RetroDevil
Absolutely awesome! Great work!
Chaosphoto
Breath taking scene, wish i was there,,,, I really do :)
WeeLaddie
Excellent lighting in this quality fantasy scene.
scifibabe
Awesome colors in this. Very beautiful and unique. Great water and beautiful planet. Love it!
artgum
Love that technicolor planet. Perfect POV.
KatesFriend
That is spectacular and there is a power sense of scale. The vibrant colours are well chosen too.
prutzworks
another majestic vista, like esp that multicolored moon!
kasalin
Excellent render and superb work, dear Mark !!! Love the caustics, the planet and the colours !!! 5* Hugs:)
voske
Love it!!Fantastic fantasy landscape,excellent job!!!!
lumi
wow! I'm lack of words ! a really beauty!!!
azrabella
You've pulled out all the stops again, my friend - and with devastating effect.