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 I use an outdated Dell Pentium 4, 1.4GHZ, running Windows XP.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 (22)
Kattey
O_o! It is very wonderful. I love that frozen crystal feeling of the picture.
Arrogathor
Would have made a great album cover.
bloodnok
Ah-ha, you too in a blue mood. Love this!!
artgum
Excellent work Mark! Tommy James as TG inspiration...!
shayhurs
Good idea; it would make a cool cover! Nice work as usual!
pakled
yer datin' yerself...;) good pic.
psyoshida
Beautiful! Simply and sweet. Well done.
Rich2
Well, mark, old pal - you just got to push a few limits on TG2... Seems that's a Lunar Cell planet, though. Mony-Mony!
Star4mation
Magnificent render!!! :)
mikeerson
DO IT! I want to see Crimson and clover over and over - lol... this picture here is quite different than your others, are you feeling ok? LOL Looks great.
choronr
Now this is creativity!
Danny_G
I just purchased lunar cell so I am diggin the LC moon, I guess I'm a Johnny Come Lately when it comes to LC, TG & PH. Better late than never :) Very nice overall image.
ppetersen
This so works here Mark. I love the outstanding work of it. The leaning crystal mounts, the sky is beautiful, one of the best of your 'blues'... Excellent all around.
Savage_dragon
Now, that's purdy! ")
JPSoft
This is very original and unique.
scifibabe
Excellent ice planet. Wonderful composition and lighting. Great blue and white tones.
LindaMcC
Creative, COLD..and beautiful. This is awesome!
BenBischop
Great Colors...!!!
SIGMAWORLD
Excellent image!
prutzworks
trippy overhangs
KatesFriend
This one is very original.
DreamersWish
Ok, now I have that song in my head. Good song and fantastic looking iceworks! Well done!