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 I use an outdated Dell Pentium 4, 1.4GHZ, running Windows XP.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)
shayhurs
Excellent work yet again!
artgum
Another fine entry in your planetary series!
efron_241
it's fast compared to beautiful Neptune.. but yes.. saturn is a fantastic planet thanks for the great image
Kattey
It is very beautiful! I especially like the sky and rock/water combination!
masonspappy
My Lord that is lovely!!
choronr
Perfectly composed; and, your style is super!
geirla
Very nice! (though I'm pretty sure Saturn's year is only 30. It's Uranus that's 84. Sorry. Pedantic. [If that word means what I think it means].)
Markal
geirla: you are correct, I guess I'm getting ahead of myself on the series...thanks!!!
grafikeer
Really lovin' this series...another excellent entry!
Orinoor
Beautiful scene, I love the terrain and the sky.
SIGMAWORLD
Beautiful!
stonelight
Wonderful world.
peedy
Fantastic image! Love the terrain and lighting. Corrie
Naoo
COOL
Domi48
Superb!
KnightWolverine
In total Awe....Outstanding Sci-Fi!
odile
Stunning picture!
corleonis
Amazing Mark! I think I have a new favorite out of your planets series. I just love that terrain
Danny_G
Nice render Mark
claudia02
Klasse fremde Welt.
Beakbryce4
super image
X-PaX
I really like your planet series Mark. This render is another killer. Well done.
phfrancke
Top notch - gonna have to keep a close eye on the Venetians. If they are old, they are smart and dangerous too!
KatesFriend
Magnificent scene, like the music.
pulsar69fr
Really nice sci fi picture. Good postwork job !
DreamersWish
Fascinating work on the terrain and water! Well done!
voske
A wonderful and magical plce,excellent job!!!
NefariousDrO
Man have I been missing out! This is wonderful, I love the terrain, those mysterious plateau-like formations remind me of mineral deposits from hot springs at Yellowstone, or the curious structures found at the deep ocean vents. Great stuff!
Badsue
My absolute fave one of your great series. I simply love this terrain and the shaders you used. Stunning work!
retepk
Excellent work.