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 I use an outdated Dell Pentium 4, 1.4GHZ, running Windows XP.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)
Domi48
A splendid one, bravo!
KatesFriend
That's a classic.
Danny_G
Yep Classic, Mark you nailed it.
phfrancke
most excellent!! Classic sci-fi colors and composition. This image could easily grace the cover of a paper-back!
egehlin
I agree with phfrancke...this image would make an excellent bookcover. Very well done!!!
LindaMcC
You've translated all that I love about your classic Markal SF work to TG2! Awesome and beautiful scene and excellent work, Mark.
artgum
The nebula background is quite beautiful- really brings the planets to life.
geirla
great landscape and very nice postworked sky!
9841007
Oh my, that is so beautiful! Love those blues!!!!
SIGMAWORLD
EXCELLENT
KadyJJ
Fantastic work!
Savage_dragon
Yeah! ")
stier
WOW, great image!
shayhurs
Spectacular! Nice integration!
masonspappy
Man, this is nice!
grafikeer
The sky is fantastic in this...excellent image my friend!
kasalin
Wow, a stunning and awesome render !!! Excellent as always, dear Mark !!! 5* All the best for 2010 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! A big Hugs Karin:)
choronr
Doing what you do best ...excellence!
scifibabe
Love it! Classic space scene. Love that nebula and the colors. Fabulous snowy landscape. Really cool.
mikeerson
blue forever? well, until some numbnuts learns to develop polution. Pretty.,
peedy
Stunning! Great sky and lighting. Corrie
amapitodd
Fantastic work. Would make a great sci-fi book cover; which is a compliment. :)
bloodnok
F A N T A S T I C !!
Hubert
Beautifully done!!
Dotthy
awesome work!!!!!!!!!!!!
shine40
So Beautiful
X-PaX
Very cool work Mark. Please do more of such great space art scenes.
shingleboot
Awesome looking image
volcomman1
fantastic work!
KiDAcE
I like how you utilized the nebula. The moons and stars are a great touch.