Each month the Renderosity community votes on The Renderosity Artist Of The Month [AOM] ... July's AOM is Mark Edwards [Markal]!

We congratulate Mark for an outstanding collection of works in the Terragen Gallery!

First, I'm very honored by all this…thank you. When someone at ReRo told me he had voted for me, I was very surprised. I didn’t even know I had been nominated…my jaw not only dropped, but it fell completely off and I haven’t found it yet.

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.

 

Pool of Tears

 

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.

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.

 

Neptune

 

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 I use an outdated Dell Pentium 4, 1.4GHZ, running Windows XP.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.

 

Rigel III

 

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.

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.

 

Star Shade

 

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.

Be sure to visit the Terragen Gallery, and also pay a visit to the Terragen Forum!

Artist of the Month is highlighting a talented Renderosity artist that has been nominated by mods and admins, and voted by the community. Recognition is given to this member for their collection of works for that year.

Since we only select one AOM per month, it is not about their works for that particular month. Instead, it is about highlighting a talented artist's works for that year, and they are recognized during that month.

To learn more about Renderosity's Artist Of The Month [AOM] award, and to view our past AOM's, please visit the AOM 2008 page, which can also be found on the sidebar under Highlights.