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 I use an outdated Dell Pentium 4, 1.4GHZ, running Windows XP.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 (25)
mgtcs
Fantastic view! Great work!
Osper
First, as it sits it's an awesome render. I may have to get this program! The atmosphere at the horizen looks star spangled I think it detracts with the stars showing through. A check with real pictures show a more solid layer not as fuzzy (the gradiant seems quite clear unlike your render). I think it has to do with the distance to the horizon. FWIW. Never tried this myself may have to!!!!
shayhurs
The transition from atmo to space does seem a little too sharp. I like the POV and where it is going though.
choronr
Now that is successful Terraforming! Think of the horizon as being in development; and, the only crit I would make is to soften (or reduce the brightness) of the Hubble image. You've been taking 0.9.43 to another level.
Annihilator-6
Awesome imagery!
Savage_dragon
The horizon looks like vibrating waters/vapors. Or maybe its a rainstorm watering the land. I like it. ")
faroutsider
Great render, Mark. I do find the transition to space a little too fuzzy, and the distance to the horizon appears too short - or to put it another way, the features in the landscape are too big for the horizon to be so close. But the composition is great, and I like the terraformed Martian surface.
ppetersen
Well I know you've read Red Mars and all the books that follow :) a possibility absolutely. Love the terrain and the curvature of the planet!! Surfacing superb. The fuzzy horizon not sure as it seems to not fit with the deep colors of space. But thats me... I'm used to everything matching :) Great pic and would love to see another like this Mark!!!
lyron
I think it is all right although i's t too close. If it was farther away it would look better. Anyway, excellent image!!
ledwolorz
Wonderful work.
pclavett
Oh....Nice one Mark ! I find no problems with your render ! Beautiful work !
Minaya
This is cool! It is very creative work. Well done!
SIGMAWORLD
Excellent work!
Danny_G
Another great piece of work
BenBischop
I think it's Awesome....!!!!
artgum
Now you're on it for real, Mark. I suppose there could be a tan or reddish haze on the horizon- but then, it wouldn't fit as well with this beautiful green and blue garden of a planet.
mikeerson
I love this... If you're not happy with the Horizon/atmosphere, I could only suggest putting more of a "glow" in it... White, skyblue, yellow an orage, a red... any of those with like a neon glow to it would work... but personally, I like it just the way you have it. YOU HAVE BEEN FAVORITIZED!!!
bloodnok
Admire your imagination and this render. One or two of your critics are picky about distances to horizon, lack of or too much haze -- whatever. When were they last on Mars?? YOUR imagination and YOUR image. Both splendid!
kasalin
1a.... a masterpiece !!
scifibabe
Wow - this is outstanding work. Very creative. Love the landscape - you really outdid yourself. Great nebula/star background. Love it!
Chaosphoto
Simply love it !!!
Brian S.
Cool!
corleonis
Great image! especially love the POV and the terrain; about the atmos....it's a bit too sharp of a gradient IMO, but i think this may be case of looking at your own work so much that you see ALL the little flaws :D cause really its pretty darn good!
prutzworks
cool terrain work
Rutra
As a fantasy scene, I love it. From that perspective, the atmo looks great, as if the planet is sending something to outer space. But as a science fiction scene, trying to accurately portray a terraformed Mars, it's not very convincing, not only for the reasons already mentioned but also because all those stars are not visible from Mars surface. Anyway, as a fantasy scene, it's great.