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 I use an outdated Dell Pentium 4, 1.4GHZ, running Windows XP.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 (32)
LindaMcC
An awesome and beautiful image, and your work here is excellent Mark. I like everything about this scene. Great colors and contrast..and the rock textures and colors are super!
mikeerson
Just read something on Mark Hamill (luke skywalker)... so, I can see him fly by in his little hovercraft in this scene - great looking landscape.
choronr
I like every thing here. But, I'm wondering about the sand ripples. Tangled_ Universe has a preset file on this at NWDA you might want have a look at. My take on what you've done with the ripples is that they should be much smaller; and, try to have them set more in an angular position instead of an almost vertical position as you have. Sorry to be a nit-picker; but, I think you know what I mean. Mark, your advances with TG2 are making great strides!
Danny_G
Excellent rock textures and surface control, classy image
geirla
Cool looking landscape and excellent Hubble sky!
Rutra
Very beautiful. Impressive image. I like the sand ripples as they are, they guide the viewer's eyes. Excellent work.
shayhurs
Excellent work!
Domi48
Great image!
Chaosphoto
Now that just looks real !!
jmb007
superbe image!!
azrabella
Whilst I appreciate the stark beauty of your space imagery, I am wondering this... why are you using a much more sophisticated piece of software (which means more cpu usage, I bet, plus a longer render time) to produce essentially what you could have done with TG9. I much prefer your TG2 stuff with vegetation. Just a thought, Mark.
Porthos
Terrific terrain and background - nice job!
Savage_dragon
It can. The 8.2 in '92 went right under my house. I love a good quake. ")
peedy
Beautiful. Lovely lighting. Corrie
grafikeer
Great terrain work and mats...love the lonely desolation of this world....very well done!
masonspappy
Fantastic Realism
lumi
excellent! great colors!
arp
esta muy sencilla, le falta un poco mas de color en el cielo y algunas estructuras!!!
KatesFriend
Well this is certainly jaw dropping.
egehlin
Magnificent image...great use of the Hubble image and I love the subdued colors you've used. Definitely a fave! Bravo!!!
Sandra3SSS
Wonderful landscape, beautifully done ! Excellent bliss, Mark :)
starfire777
Excellent landscape image and galaxy!!!
kasalin
Wonderful composition, looks superb, dear Mark !!! 5* Wish you a Happy New Year, and all the best in 2010 !!! Hugs Karin:)
X-PaX
Nice work Mark. But to be honest i think that you have made such nice space art also with the old Terragen version. Maybe for the next one you should add a nice TG2 feature. This minor point aside it is a very nice scene.
phfrancke
great scene. I like the way the sun shines on the cliffs - and the background of course. An observatory sitting on the cliff top would be cool - or your tower!
billcody
Stunning! The landscape looks so realistic!
NefariousDrO
Very beautiful scene. I love the use of the Hubble shot for your sky.
scifibabe
Gorgeous render. Fabulous terrain. Love that galazy on its side. Really cool.
SuperNeloAngelo
Nice work..! This image gives you an insight of the future millions of years from now... When Andromeda comes in contact with the Milky Way....!
Ailig68
Great terrain and i like the tiny dunes...