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 I use an outdated Dell Pentium 4, 1.4GHZ, running Windows XP.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 (23)
tiff666
Wonderful scene!
Naoo
-- great Mood --
Savage_dragon
Pretty. ")
Danny_G
Killer sky
clbsmiley
Fabulous!!
shayhurs
Very cool!
NefariousDrO
Gorgeous! You've really out-done yourself on this one, the colors and the light is superb. I love how you did the flares, they look amazing.
grafikeer
One of your best images for sure...excellent lighting and atmo...very cool!
teecee2107
Gorgeaous landscape !
ia-du-lin
great landscape, wonderful sky and atmo, colors too
peedy
Beautiful! Gorgeous colors and lighting. Love the sky. I have tried T2, but it's too complicated for me. So I'll stick to T9. :-) Corrie
thecytron
AmaZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzing composition!
KnightWolverine
Lovely Sunset!...Beautiful View!
choronr
Like HD photographic integrity ....outstanding creation here!
Speedwrench96
Well done; literally.
starfire777
Fantastic terragen work and scene!!! Looks very realistic.
X-PaX
Beautiful scene Mark. Well done.
artgum
Note to self: Mark says if I see this, it's too late...check. LOL. Great use of that fractal to create the emissions- gorgeous sky, lighting and contrasted terrains.
Alex_NIKO
Beautiful scene!
Terrade
Mark has come back down to Earth or Earthlike.....excellent sky and sunset
KatesFriend
Exquisite realism.
Badsue
Wonderful sky Mark! Gorgeous clouds and this flare looks just perfect. Excellent work.
ppetersen
Mark, that sky is fabulous. I can't believe it's a render and not real. Outstanding work on this...