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 I use an outdated Dell Pentium 4, 1.4GHZ, running Windows XP.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 (29)
alessimarco
Captivating mood....I love lighthouses...even ones in space!
artgum
A deep blue beauty Mark! A super mood.
masonspappy
Love the otherwordly effect!
Danny_G
Very cool painterly type image
choronr
A lot of work went into this one Mark; and, the results paid off handsomely. Fine, fine creation!
Savage_dragon
Interesting. I like it. ")
MagikUnicorn
SUPERB DARK IMAGE
ascoli00
Rather good
Seaview123
Very sharp looking planet scape! Nice job.
scifibabe
Just gorgeous! Love the beautiful colors and the mood in this. Cool rocky landscape and sky.
geirla
Very nice! Excellent cliff material. Water looks fine to me, given the scene. (For all we know it's methane or ammonia)
Chaosphoto
simply awesome !!
peedy
Great image. Lovely lighting. Corrie
psyoshida
This is really spectacular work. I love the colors and the water fits perfectly. Excellent!
KadyJJ
Colors and textures, just great!
JPSoft
(Splendid)³ ... Thanks!
bloodnok
VERY Atmospheric!
shayhurs
Nice! Like the mood as well.
Hubert
A wonderfully done scene! Very moody.
Dotthy
wonderful blue mood and awesome work!!!!
mikeerson
I applaud you for going after this image, different compared to others... this one has a sense of abandonment to it. Someone turning on a S.O.S. and giving up after so long = very cool picture... More pictures with themes - great stuff.
SIGMAWORLD
Excellent image!
Thelby
Wh-a-a-a-a-a-t? No Lunar Cell Moon?? ;^) The colors in this are errie and magnificent all at the same time. Very Nice Construction of this one!!!
egehlin
A great dark and moody render...the subdued lighting effects add to the feeling of someplace other-worldly. Very well done!!!
DreamersWish
I love the water! This is definitely moody. I love the whole look. Fantastic work!
LindaMcC
I agree with Bob. Awesome and excellent work.
X-PaX
Very cool render Mark. Excellent work.
kasalin
wow... so spectacular work.... a miracle ... a dream...
Sandra3SSS
A great scene and an excellent work of art !!!!!!!!!!