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 I use an outdated Dell Pentium 4, 1.4GHZ, running Windows XP.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 (21)
bebert
belle image
choronr
Great lighting and effective image to enhance the title. Try another with the full moon shining on the water ...hope you try it.
teecee2107
Fantastic night scene ! Excellent atmosphere !
ladylake
This is beautiful.
stnaper
One of the best short stories I've ever read! Great job!
Danny_G
Great colors Mark
starfire777
Fantastic scene and lighting!!!
Savage_dragon
Wow. So pretty! ")
shayhurs
Cool! Very well done.
peedy
Beautiful image and lighting! Corrie
saphira1998
great real
Naoo
Excellent mood!!!
timja11
I like the mood of this scene ... specially these gentle pink clouds and the dark green of the plants in the overall blue.
X-PaX
Very nice image Mark.
KatesFriend
Indeed, soon you will make the shoreline and make your why into the mystically lit forest. Somewhere, deep inside, you must find a not quite abandoned old farm house before the night is over.
masonspappy
Of all the stuff you've done, I think I like this one best. Outstanding image!
shingleboot
Very beautiful image
ia-du-lin
beautiful mysterious scene, great atmo, excellent work!!
inkydigit
love this Mark... very moody! :)
JaneEden
You created a magical atmosphere in this fantastic image, very well done! hugs Jane xx
WeeLaddie
A rare visit to planet Earth, eh Mark! Nice moody scene with great nocturnal lighting. Well, having taken a despairing look around you'll probably be off on your celestial travels again. Bon voyage.