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 I use an outdated Dell Pentium 4, 1.4GHZ, running Windows XP.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)
grafikeer
Nicely done...like the use of the Hubble image,great lighting!
Savage_dragon
Almost like the Sombrero. Kewlness. & it looks like you are ahead in the polls! ")
Cyve
Amazing !!!
shayhurs
Very very cool.Well done!
stnaper
Outstanding space render! Stan
bebopdlx
Nicely done.
wholehog
Awesome image Mark! The lighting is fantastic and your artwork on the sky is superb!
brewgirlca
A rouge planets view of the Sombrero Galaxy. I like it very much. The use of Hubble makes it all the more real, especially for those of us who know what the gallaxy is.
peedy
Fantastic! Great terrain and beautiful lighting! Corrie
EyeOfTheBeholder
Incredible image.
ialora
Wow! That is seriously cool looking! You have a great eye for composition.
choronr
Super work Mark; and, best of luck to you for the AOM July.
ia-du-lin
like the galaxy/nebula, wonderful scene!
saphira1998
great
Danny_G
Nice work Mark
X-PaX
Cool work Mark.
Dotthy
wonderful work!!!!!!!
faroutsider
Inhospitable but beautiful...!
CornFlake1
Awesome work m8, 10/10 :)
GrandmaT
Great job!
starfire777
Fantastic planetary scene!!!
Teddibayer
my 2nd all-time favorite picture you've made. Very moody and interesting. I really enjoy your artwork and use of materials.
Thelby
Wouldn't it be nice to travel to distant places like this! But I guess I am still a 'Space Cadet' in my 50s. Really Nice Work, Here!!!
Alex_NIKO
Cool!
Alex_Antonov
!!!