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 I use an outdated Dell Pentium 4, 1.4GHZ, running Windows XP.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 (25)
Savage_dragon
I like it. It is like the tree merging into the sky. Cool. ")
Tako_Yakida
The water looks marvelous, especially with the subtle reflection.
JuliSonne
Super realistic, wonderful atmo! Class made!
choronr
Interesting how you achieved the reflected light on the water without showing the light source. In all, an interesting project here Mark.
peedy
Beautiful image! Great job on the blowing leaves. Gorgeous lighting and sky. Corrie
odile
This is terrific!Wonderful landscape.
tiff666
Awesome!
teecee2107
Superb !
ia-du-lin
simple landscape, but very impressiv image
fallen21
Splendid scene & view.
NefariousDrO
Beautiful work, I like how the sky is reflected in the water, too.
Danny_G
great colors here Mark, nice minimal mood you achieved here
grafikeer
I think the message comes through,and the concept and execution are very well done!
moat
Wonderful scene!
shayhurs
Turned out great. I always look forward to your renders. Maybe at some point here, my schedule will let me get back to mine. ;')
TheOwl68
Your beautiful image and it's concept translate just fine to me =) an impressive and inspiring work of art~ 5 Stars!!
SIGMAWORLD
Sehr schön.
masonspappy
You know, I just out-and-out like this. Great job!
Thelby
Very Nice!! The BG leaves ones mind to wonder off into space and then turn around and look back at the image all over again!!! Either that or it's the meds from the Dentist .........
starfire777
Excellent scene and mood!!!
artgum
I think it's outstanding Mark!
charpix
It's beautiful. I'd like it better, though, if the water were more reflective of the sky, that is, smoother water. Other than that, it's a wonderful composition.
MagikUnicorn
LOVE THIS
acaciuleanu
Great image ! Can I use some of your works (of course by mentioning artist name) on my blog ?anydarany
0rest4wicked
There is something about an image with a lone tree I can't resist!