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 I use an outdated Dell Pentium 4, 1.4GHZ, running Windows XP.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.Â
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 (18)
Mondwin
Looks a very splendid image....bravissimo!V:DDD.Hugsxx Whylma
Savage_dragon
Looks like you're keeping my hours. Excellent work, Mark. I like the ray through the planet. xo ")
mambo
Amazingly beautiful work , excellent done.*****
sontaeseok
brilliant work^^stable presentation with fantastic sci fi^^***
Danny_G
Excellent image.
pwilkin
Beautiful scene.
shayhurs
Great Render
lyron
Wonderful work!!
amapitodd
Excellent alien landscape.
artgum
You know, if you added some snow layers, this would make a superb Christmas image. The clouds and atmosphere do it for me.
DreamersWish
What splendid lighting this is! Gorgeous scene!
mikeerson
love the star... an alien manger would of workded well in this upload.
elfin12u
This is just amazing work!!!! WOW!!!
scifibabe
Lovely world. Beautiful colors. I like the star right above that one rocky 'tower'. Very cool composition.
LindaMcC
Super cool scene and excellent work.
ppetersen
This has a magical feel to it Mark, perhaps it's the softness I see here. POV, terrain surfacing your usual excellence. The touch of the star, just right.
kasalin
Yes, it's like magic... fabulous
DeathTwister
Wow sweet image bro. Planning on making a texture run in the next week, just have not had the time, so hang I get you some new ones. DT