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 I use an outdated Dell Pentium 4, 1.4GHZ, running Windows XP.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 (30)
mikeerson
looks like the moon got a little close one day - lol
E.Houser
Beautiful work! Very lovely.
DarkStormCrow
Excellent, very well done....
scifibabe
Wow ! Outstanding work! I really like your composition in this one and the wonderful trees. Too cool.
masonspappy
n-i-c-e...
artgum
Beautiful work, Mark; a great POV.
DanteDAnthony
Rock on!!!
SIGMAWORLD
Very nice image!
shayhurs
Nice job!
NefariousDrO
Wow, I'm in awe of the stuff you're doing, these days. This is absolutely amazing stuff!
Maori
Great composition!
Chaosphoto
you have created a beautiful place
phfrancke
wonderful composition, but the trees and the coloring make it alive.
psyoshida
Beautiful composition and atmosphere. Wonderful mood.
choronr
I know you must feel pretty pleased with this one Mark - I know I am ...great work buddy!
KadyJJ
Superb view!
peedy
Gorgeous! Great DOF. Corrie
Thelby
You have come a long way in your populations, congrats!!!
WeeLaddie
Excellent tree deployment, and, he he, your planets are getting bigger and bolder. Well done.
Danny_G
Definitely a big planet and the lighting on it is very well done as is the rework of "The Old Tower".
kasalin
Really a dream..... I wish you a good start in tne new year
JPSoft
This is a splendid and very ... very imaginative composition.
azrabella
Lots of interest in this one, Mark.
X-PaX
Very nice work Mark. The big planet looks very cool.
Badsue
Very nice landscape - love your compositin of the trees and colours. My fave of your "tower" images.
KiDAcE
Great job. I like how the bridge juts out of the trees.
LindaMcC
The colors are incredible and the composition, very impressive. Again, excellent work, Mark.
starfire777
Excellent Terragen work!!!
Art_Ramos
I wish I could be half as good as you when adding planets to scenery!
EyeOfTheBeholder
Superb image,excellent composition.Tree population is very realistic.