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 I use an outdated Dell Pentium 4, 1.4GHZ, running Windows XP.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 (29)
Minaya
Excellently done!
Darkglass
Fantastic Scene great work!
mikeerson
Super job. I love the look you achieved with the water... Idea for you: put a space ship half in the water, so you can see it under the water as if it crashed. The ship is on fire, so anything above the water is smoken' and on fire... Under the water the ship is black and also glowing red hot... the water is bubbling and steaming.... It's a challenge that could really be worth the time putting into it.... you might even go as far as putting people under the water trying to swim to the surface.... This picture you made is super, and caused my imagination to offer an idea for you. YOU HAVE BEEN FAVORITIZED!!!
Savage_dragon
The surface is killer, as usual. I like how you did it. Especially the saturation. Your water techniques are really improving. I like this calmer piece. Did I say that? Lol. It made me smile. ")
lyron
Outstanding work!!!
2121
stunning scene
rocserum
stunning sci-fi scape! RS
fractalinda
Would love to visit this fantastic "15 Mins from Nowhere." Excellent terrain, wonderful colors and clarity, and the view is awesome. Striking!
Lightpen
Greatly Beautiful, more please. Lightpen
DMoulton
Your outstanding workmanship puts me in awe. Stunning render my friend.
artgum
There is no "nowhere" in the universe you create for us, Mark; each world is a fascinating place out of your imagination and skill. The tranquil atmo and water are the definite highlights here.
ppetersen
Amazing Mark. I keep looking back t see the sky. Those two little moons circling the larger planet are superbly done. Just right placement on the sky. Excellent surfacing as always. I'm trying but don't think I'll ever get there as you do. Superb terrain and POV...
grafikeer
Fantastic image...excellent terrain work and lighting...love the calm water!
Kattey
I like the clarity and serenity of that planet :)
SIGMAWORLD
Excellent!
BenBischop
Beautiful....!!!
Chaosphoto
gorgeous scene !!
bloodnok
Clean and simple spacescape (You can tell Man hasn't yet colonised the planet!)
IQ200
Outstanding!
wild_child
Beautiful work!
kasalin
Excellent render, dear Mark !!! Beautiful colours and clarity and the view is awesome too. 5* Gorgeous :):):)
prutzworks
xlt use of distant hae to soften the horizon
Coreycupcake
I really like your World Machine terrains and the way they are layered and interweaved together as plateaus.
Alex_NIKO
this is Really Beautiful!
scifibabe
Beautiful scene. Love the landscape and the three moons. Wonderful colors too.
choronr
Yet another one of your finest works displaying beautiful contrasts.
faroutsider
Outstanding work, Mark. Your terrains are always superb, and your water blows me away...
KatesFriend
Fantastic stuff.
kftate
Beautiful scene and excellent work!!