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 I use an outdated Dell Pentium 4, 1.4GHZ, running Windows XP.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 (29)
Naoo
wonderful mood
Savage_dragon
Pretty, pretty. ")
odile
This is nice, great light!
azrabella
Ah! At last - free your mind, Mark and spread your wings - you never know where you'll touch down again.
nikki112459
Markal that is beautiful.... can I paint this picture?
Danny_G
Peaceful image, like this alot Mark
Kattey
I like it very, very much, colors and composition and ship - everything
mps
Lovely image
artgum
I think it's an outstanding image- your imagination wants to explore new things!
mistressotdark
wow ..simple but amazing
choronr
Your underlying creativity is showing; and, showing a real beauty. More; much, much more please.
peedy
Beautiful image. Gorgeous lighting and rays. Love this. Corrie
teecee2107
Superb image ! Very nice mood. The sky is gorgeous and the god rays effect is good, not too obvious but effective. The integration of the boat is perfect. Just one thing : the sea seems covered with algae ; it's something you don't see much except maybe in the 'Bermuda Triangle';o)
ia-du-lin
wonderful atmo/mood, beautiful scene
mikeerson
I for one am glad you posted this...very nice... could fool just about anyone into believing it's a photo.
masonspappy
Well done, and very calming and peacefull
Chaosphoto
It looks very real and beautifully relaxing
X-PaX
Very realistic work. Well done Mark.
shayhurs
Nice!
fallen21
Amazing view, nice lighting!
TerraCr8tor
Great render, lov the sky, and the mood
Badsue
It's so beautiful in its simplicity! Wonderful mood, sky and lighting.
starfire777
Wonderful image and mood!!!
SIGMAWORLD
EXCELLENT!
claudia02
Sehr schöne TG2 Arbeit !
MagikUnicorn
SERENE AND STUNNING AWESOME REALISM
Dotthy
Fantastic colours, awesome atmo and wonderful scene!!!!!
vapo
Fantastic, moody view with beautiful colors... Vashek
wizardofnoz
WOW!!!! simple and yet so very stunning and captivating image!