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 I use an outdated Dell Pentium 4, 1.4GHZ, running Windows XP.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 (29)
NefariousDrO
Beautiful work, absolutely captivating! I also had a nasty bout of flu, but sure didn't get a new Camaro. Glad that you've been happy, to say the least!
scifibabe
Sorry to hear you've been sick. Missed your postings. Great scifi image. Fabulous planet and landscape.
artrager
Stunning image!
choronr
Me too; off for two weeks waiting for two incisions to heal - but, time to reflect and work on how to do it better. As always Mark, your light and contrast dominate your compositions ...nice work here.
mikeerson
awesome image, looks like an ice moon crashed into a planet.
geirla
The looks really cool! No, really.
alessimarco
Fabulous otherworldly landscape! Nice work!
peedy
Beautiful result. I am having the flu right now. Does that mean I'll get a new camera, too?? ;-) Corrie
faroutsider
Fantastic lighting for that dramatic terrain. Super image.
gerberc
Superb rock formations and colors!
Naoo
Just cool!
Hubert
Cool landscape!!
Danny_G
Nicer Render in Markal Style I might add !
jmb007
superbe image!!
jclP
Stunning image
Pogo22
Fantastic picture. Excellent!
shayhurs
nice!
Art_Ramos
I try and try and still cannot get anywhere near as good!
volcomman1
great work!"
SIGMAWORLD
Excellent image!
Blitzz-Licht
Top-Quality work in all Aspects...wonderful color-concepts and view
DreamersWish
Congrats on the new car! I hope you will enjoy. This is the kinda image that makes me think of Superman's Fortress of Solitude. Fabulous work!
artgum
A lovely slice of your signature sci-fi Mark!
KatesFriend
Excellent work on creating the ice my friend.
X-PaX
Very nice sci-fi render. Have fun with your new Camaro.
Risus
This is AMAZING. Great job yet again!
kasalin
Top notch render...... gigantic !!!
prutzworks
like the wide angle effect
DukeNukem2005
This is an excellent!