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 I use an outdated Dell Pentium 4, 1.4GHZ, running Windows XP.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 (23)
mikeerson
Mothers are the greatest and you'll find a way as you go on in life to get messages from her. My passed away in 2001 and in 2007 I was recieving messages as if she was standing right beside me. I went up to work on her cabin and as I moved things around I could remember where we were standing in 2000 when she told me her plans... it was a greatful experience. It's been over 8 years ago, it gets a little easier, but not much. that first year I picked up the phone and dialed the whole number before it dawned on me she was gone. there is not a day that goes by that I don't think of her. My Mother left me with telling me to smile, I try... it's good for the soul. I feel for you, keep busy... I mean that... keep busy.
choronr
God bless her and you Mark.
artgum
A wonderful dedication Mark. Your mothers love is forever.
mgtcs
What a lovely landscape!!! Congratulations.
Frieso
I'm sorry for your loss my friend. I really am.
NoelCan
Time heals, but it takes time Time is but a moment in eternity eternity is but a moment in time Sorry for your loss
DreamersWish
I am very sorry for your loss. It will be 15 years for me. It is hard without her at times. I will keep you in my prayers. This is a stunning piece of work and a wonderful dedication too!
IQ200
Excellent dedication. Sorry for your loss.
WeeLaddie
"I will never leave an airman behind"; And she won't, Mark.
lyron
Sorry to hear about your loss. Excellent tribute!!
Savage_dragon
I'm so sorry, Mark. You are in my prayers.
raven916
Excellent dedication, a beautiful tribute to your Mom, she will always be with you, in the beautiful sunsets and stunning sunrises that will great you each day.
VERITY29
So sorry, bless you.
shayhurs
Sorry to hear about your loss.
ppetersen
My thoughts are with you Mark...And the best way to express feelings is in what you do most your artwork... Outlet for emotions...Beautiful image for your Mom...
X-PaX
I'm sorry to hear your loss Mark. This is a wonderful dedication.
Danny_G
This is an amazing piece, one that could only be inspired by a wonderful woman. I am very sorry for your loss. Regards to you and your family, Danny
Minaya
Wow, outstanding image! Amazing lighting,
kasalin
Something totally different here, Mark !!! Fantastic !!
fractalinda
I am sincerely sorry, Mark. My beautiful Mother was called home several years ago, so I understand the pain and loneliness. Glorious celestial rays in this heavenly and very beautiful dedicatory image.
starfire777
Wonderful dedication!!! Sorry for the loss.
faroutsider
I'm so sorry for your loss, Mark. Thinking of you and your family, my friend.
corleonis
Beautiful dedication, those rays really are glorious. My thoughts are with you and your family, my friend.