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 I use an outdated Dell Pentium 4, 1.4GHZ, running Windows XP.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 (31)
Danny_G
Cool planet and image, Proper Markal work here
shayhurs
very cool as always!
mikeerson
I sat here and listened... it's not making noise - lol cool display of a dust storm
artgum
Somewhat spooky; a really cool creation!
peedy
Fantastic image! Great dust clouds and lighting. Corrie
PSDuck
I've been in dust storms like this (and worse) in the Mojave. If the moon in the sky were there, they'd have been cool. Super image!
rachris480907
Wonderful render!
geirla
Very nice dust effect!
odile
EXcellent! Great effects and I like the color palette.
choronr
In all. I like it; but, what about making the Mars like planet a bit smaller?
Bossie_Boots
Excellent mood and atmosphere superb work !
Coppens
Outstanding!
Birgushilda
Wonderful atmosphere !!!!
masonspappy
Conveys a real sense of barreness and desolation
lonely_wolf
Like it!
RJS
Wow! This is a stunning work. Makes me think of dust storms on the plains of Cydonia around the "pyramids". Bravo!
Thelby
Very Cool, looks like my yard as today will be 110 and 120 with heat index. Just a little north of you and to the west. Anyhow, this works for me, Exceptional Piece of Art!!!
torsis
just WOW! 5+
ia-du-lin
fantastic scene and atmo, great clouds and cosmic background
Badsue
Being right there on full size, I can definetely hear the storm roaring! Impressive world and render, Mark.
X-PaX
Very nice render. Well done.
claudia02
Klasse Bild !
KatesFriend
I like it.
starfire777
Fantastic world!!!
mps
Wonderful image
pclavett
Lovely work Mark !
shingleboot
Wow, really neat effect!
Naoo
very cool mood
celticfire
This is incredibly well done!
teecee2107
Just fantastic. Love the sharpness of your renders.