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 I use an outdated Dell Pentium 4, 1.4GHZ, running Windows XP.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 (24)
Seaview123
Great looking sci-fi image! Really nice picture, sharp looking work!
grafikeer
Great image...love the sunlight on the background planet...excellent terrains too!
jmb007
beau travail!!
Naoo
I LOVE IT
geirla
Beautiful! Looks like Pluto and Charon
masonspappy
Impressive!!
Danny_G
Most excellent
artgum
Excellent surfaces and terrain- superb stark lighting.
mikeerson
looks like an oxygenless planet that's been dead longer than can comprehend.
shayhurs
Nice work as always!
choronr
Your contrasts come oozing through. As with your previous image, the surface work is right on. An excellent piece of space art.
peedy
Beautiful! Corrie
gerberc
Excellent space art again!
egehlin
A spectacular space scene...your attention to detail draws me straight into this scene. I feel as if I could actually walk on that rocky landscape. The texturing on the planets is marvelous. Very well done!!!
scifibabe
Great space scene. Excellent lighting and landscaping.
JPSoft
The global effect is very impressive. C'est très beau!
Iraya
Very beautiful image, excellent render and post work. Have a nice day.
Dotthy
dark & beautiful!!!!!!!!!!
LindaMcC
Wow, striking picture and mood! Excellent work and a cool, beautiful image.
Thelby
This pretty Cool work, I like it!!!
KatesFriend
Very mysterious feel.
DreamersWish
Very barren and rugged looking place. Wonderful space scene!
DreamersWish
Very barren and rugged looking place. Wonderful space scene!
DreamersWish
Very barren and rugged looking place. Wonderful space scene!