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 I use an outdated Dell Pentium 4, 1.4GHZ, running Windows XP.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)
Savage_dragon
I think you spent just the right amount of time. ")
odile
Superb landscape!
Naoo
very cool
choronr
Really, really very good Mark, this one shines in all attributes. Your distant land forms are super as is the balance of this scene.
Danny_G
Really well done Mark
phey
Really time well spent. Very, very nice render
artgum
Fantastic Mark! Love this- you should do a version with a terran sky and atmo just for grins...
tiff666
Great one, love the epic element.
grafikeer
Excellent image as usual!
wotan
Beautiful scene and atm Markal!
mps
Wonderful image
Roco43
Excellent scene
peedy
WOW, well worth your time. Fantastic image and lighting. Love the terrain! Corrie
teecee2107
Fantastic image, really worth the time spent.
ia-du-lin
excellent terrain, sky and atmo, wonderful sci-fi world
DamirCizmok
Really good job!
thecytron
Awesome!
X-PaX
Very nice work Mark. I like the terrain, the sky and the lighting very much.
saphira1998
great
fallen21
Stunning place & atmosphere!
Alex_NIKO
Very nice planetscape! well done!
emailandthings
cool stuff Markal, happy 2012
Badsue
Agree to Bob, this is perfect balance! Everything is great here - terrain, planets, atmo and lighting! Super job, Mark.
masonspappy
Outstanding - big 'wow' factor!
Terrade
another nice render mark
LindaMcC
Fantastic and excellent!
starfire777
Fantastic Terragen image!!!
0rest4wicked
Looks sensational with the low POV!
KnightWolverine
Just doing some catching up and wanted to gets some comments in while i have a some extra time....Incredible use of Terragen!...Awesome Landscaping!
jmb007
bien