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 I use an outdated Dell Pentium 4, 1.4GHZ, running Windows XP.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 (27)
costapanos
Actually it's a beautiful piece of work you have done here. I would bring the planet forward so that is in front of the nebula, and that's it. your done! C
jaguarry3
Great work unearthly and surreal
amapitodd
I was thinking the "nebula" was being used as a sort of gaseous cloud effect, since you can see it reflecting in the water. In that case, it should remain where it is, assuming I'm accurate in my assumption. Excellent scene.
choronr
Even without the background, this is a real beauty!
mikeerson
gental is not a desireable commuicational tactic.... gental is hiding what you have to say or beating around the bush.... Straight forward - get in and get out before the shoe is thrown - lol ...I see what you're thinking in this.... putting the sun behind the planet for backlighting I think would of helped this picture... I think the "lighter colored clouds" should be on the planet and fade out into space... the lower left corner in the water looks too blury... still a good looking picture but would not put this with my faves of yours.... See, straight forward ... no beating around the bush.... And.... I'm out of here before you can throw your shoe at me - lol
VERITY29
Great image!
lyron
Great work!!!
Naoo
Cool Coloring!
bloodnok
Dramatic!
Savage_dragon
I don't think the neb helps this one. Though they usually work so well in your renders. It doesn't seem to fit, somehow. I have to agree a bit with Mikeerson about the water & planet. The foreground looks 'erased'. The terrain is fabulous. Love those stark rocks! A definite granite feel to them. I like the color & movement in the water. You know I love ya', Mark. Throwin' a kiss & running. I know you still have another shoe...
pclavett
Wow Mark !!! At first I thought someone might have slipped something in my cereal this morning but looking at it for a bit ..... love it !!! I love blue !!! The light is just about perfect ! Love your imagination Mark !
E.Houser
Spectacular scene!
artgum
For me, I like the explosive feeling the nebula gives the scene. I also love the colors in it and the reflections of same in the water. Great terrain and surfaces. It struck me as a powerful image.
Danny_G
I agree with you it is busy like you stated, but that just adds to the atmospheric mayhem you've created. I really like the vibration type effect you got going on in the water, adding to the mass explosion of the nebula. Destroyer is a fitting name.
shayhurs
Actually, it works very well with the title. Nice work as always!
SIGMAWORLD
Excellent Terragen scene!
ppetersen
Your foreground (right side) surfacing is superb. I'd like to see more of similar in the back part of the terrain. You know how I love your skywork always, not that this is too busy, but more like parts of it should be more vaired in fade out to intense. It's all intense... but again, I love the colors, looks and positioning. Terrain :) and what a killer water... those waves are outstanding Mark...
scifibabe
I really like this one. Wonderfully vibrant colors from that nebula. Interesting concept. Very cool terrain and lighting. Nice work.
fractalinda
AWEsome sky and those colors are so beautiful! Excellent composition and overall work, as always, Mark.
kasalin
F A N T A S T I C !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
phil01
Superbe compo*****
Alex_NIKO
Beautiful scene!
BenBischop
Awesome Scene....!!!!
MagikUnicorn
OH MY GOD STUNNING
KatesFriend
Stunning material. It looks like that nova remnant is consuming this world's neighbour. I fear, its time has grown short.
kftate
Gorgeous! Love the colors and atmosphere! Excellent!!
barticus
Absolutely stunning! Full marks!