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 I use an outdated Dell Pentium 4, 1.4GHZ, running Windows XP.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 (40)
Foxfire66
AMAZING Composition!! Absolutely awsome my man!
Maori
Spectacular view and work, Mark!!!!!
faroutsider
Incredible work, Mark! Instant favourite!
lyron
Excellent terrain and work!!
sim3344
Amazing scene...superb work!!!
DAVER2112
WOW!!!! Awesome!! :)
amapitodd
Brilliant! Fantastic scene.
Porthos
The terrain reminds me of the 'Giants Causeway', nicely done!
pclavett
Oh....absolutely lovely work Mark ! Terragen part is simply perfect !The background work and postwork are also amazingly done as well ! Congrats !!!
vangogh
I like the dramatic light....very nicely done!
kasalin
Beautiful sight and work, Mark !!!!!!!!!!!!
3x3
awesome terrain work Mark fav+
jeroni
Excellent shot, fantastic colors
ialora
Wow! Amazing detail in the terrain!
Savage_dragon
Sublime...
SIGMAWORLD
Excellent work!
Petra-S
Fantastic..wonderful images!
NefariousDrO
Wow, This might be your best terrain yet!
rocserum
impressive work! RS
BenBischop
....fav....!!!!!
artgum
Great moody lighting- the surfaces have an almost "grunge" feel that really works well here. Perfect choice of the Hubble image.
shingleboot
I love it, I love it, I love it!
CATMANDO
Great surfaces and strata.
Alex_NIKO
Cool work!
scifibabe
Wow - this is stunning work. Beautiful terrain and wonderful background. Love it!!!!
choronr
Exciting textures and colors here. The sky and light puts the icing on the cake ...excellent composition!
WeeLaddie
Great tone work and lighting. I also like the surfacing you've given your pillared terrain. A well composed scene.
bloodnok
Awesome foreground terrain. I love it. If that is a Comet's trail lighting up your background ... Wow! Near miss!!
azrabella
Mark stikes again... wonderful stuff - "fringe" as in edge of galaxy I presume!
DeathTwister
Dam I love your stuff, WOW awesome dude.