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 I use an outdated Dell Pentium 4, 1.4GHZ, running Windows XP.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 (22)
ladylake
It is strikingly beautiful.
Savage_dragon
Heaven on earth! (you got my e mail, right...?)
0rest4wicked
Amazing atmosphere in full view!
Heavenlee
Wow! So beautiful n serene! xxx
NefariousDrO
Lovely!
TOPCAT
Awesome Terragen Work!!!!! BRAVO!!!!!
rooks
Stunning! Good work
KatesFriend
I spy a little Kubrick influence in the spectacular sky.
odile
This is a lovely planetary system. Beautiful work.
peedy
Beautiful! Very fine lighting! Corrie
grafikeer
Nicely done...love the colour palette and the light in this one!
ia-du-lin
beautiful blue ocean, wonderful sky, great image
teecee2107
Your sky is fantastic, excellent mood !
stnaper
Awesome as always, keep em' comin'!
X-PaX
Nice render Mark.
choronr
I like the lighting here as well as the colors ...elsewhere as it may be. Tis a beauty Mark!
Danny_G
Great lighting
bebopdlx
Beautiful work.
fallen21
Amazing image!
TerraCr8tor
Well done
starfire777
Excellent image!!!
pclavett
Lovely sky Mark..in fact amazingly well done ! Would love seeing the settings for getting such a nice effect from the sky ! Excellent and in fact one of my favorites !