Gradient Mesh tools are used to create a single multicoloured object on which colours flow smoothly in different directions. You can easily the colour of the mesh object by changing its colour characteristics i.e. shade by adjusting each point of the mesh object. Meshes can be created on any of your vector, eps objects with the exception of compound paths and text objects until expanded. You can not apply meshes to Jpeg, gif or other raster objects imported to your artwork.
In this tutorial we will give an introduction of mesh tool.
Creating the Shape
Turn on the smart Guides using Ctrl+U or view > Smart Guides. Select the Ellipse tool (L) and draw a perfect circle by pressing shift.
Making Mesh
Choose the mesh tool and click exactly at the centre of the circle. This is your first mesh division. Our object is to create a cartoonish face.
Dividing the shaded areas
Click and divide the right side and the left side of the circle by clicking on the line that runs horizontally.
Divide it further by clicking similarly on vertical line. The shape of the circle will look like this.
Switch to Direct Selection tool (A) and choose all the nodes on the outer anchor points of the circle by pressing the shift key.
Shading your work
Open the colour palette F6 and drag to a light shade of yellow. You will see change of effect in the shape
If you miss an anchor point just drag the colour from the palette and drop on the missed anchor point
Choose the middle anchor points and select a shade of pink.
Creating face elements
Choose any anchor point and using its handles change the direction of the colour blending. For the chin, you need to move the lower anchor point in the middle and shift it down a bit.
Be careful not to un-blend the perfect blending or your chin will have a cut!
Draw a few face elements.
Using the similar technique, draw the eyes. Here are some steps you can use to create a set of Cartoonish looking eyes.
Keep them on the face
You can save the finishes face as a symbol and use it to create interesting backgrounds.
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