Photorealism with Gradient Mesh
Gradient Mesh can be intimidating for novice and experienced Illustrator users alike, but
sophisticated results can be achieved with a simple mesh and careful coloring. This tutorial
will set you on the road to mesh mastery. Let’s get started!
Step 1
To make a photo-realistic vector illustration it is a good idea to start with a photo as a
reference. Open up the candle picture in teacher hand in hand out/Mrs Shotton/Graphics
12/Illustrator tutorials/candle. We are going to focus on the centre candle.
Step 2
Draw a rectangle next to the photo and fill it with rich black. A good rich black in CMYK is
C=60, M=40, Y=40, K=100. If you’re working in RGB mode, use true black: R=0, G=0, B=0.
Step 3
Lock this layer and create a new one above it. Draw a rectangle the same size as the candle.
Take the Eyedropper tool (I) and sample a color from the photo. This will fill your rectangle
with this color.
Step 4
With the rectangle selected, go to Object > Create Gradient Mesh. Enter the values shown
below.
Step 5
Using the Direct Selection tool (A), marquee-select the top row of points on the mesh. Switch
to the Eyedropper tool, and sample the color from the corresponding part of the photo. Do this
for each horizontal row of points.
Step 6
Select one point on the right edge of the mesh and sample its corresponding color from the
photo. Do the same for every point on each side. Your mesh should look something like the
image below. You can adjust the colors on each point manually, using the Color panel.
Step 7
Using the Direct Selection tool (A), select the second column of points on the mesh. It may
help to view the illustration in Outline mode so you can see the points. Use the left arrow key
on your keyboard to move this column of points toward the left a few clicks. This will make the
highlight on the left more severe.
Step 8
Take the Mesh tool (U) and click on one of the vertical mesh lines. This will create a new
horizontal line. Now select the points on the new line and give them the same fill color as the
top points. You can do this with the Eyedropper tool. Here’s a handy method: First, choose
the Direct Selection tool (A). Then switch to the Eyedropper (I).
Now hold down the Command/Control key to temporarily access the Direct Selection tool.
Select the points, then release the Command/Control key to go back to the Eyedropper to
sample your color. Once you get in a rhythm, your Mesh work will be speedier.
Step 9
Select the middle two points on this new line and move them down. This will create a slight
curve, which will help make the mesh look like a cylinder.
Step 10
For the top of the candle, draw an ellipse, and fill it with the same color as the top points on
the candle mesh. Create a Gradient Mesh as before.
Step 11
Drag the middle point up a bit and fill it with a lighter color. You can’t normally “fill” a point, but
that’s how we talk about it with Gradient Mesh. Fill the point above it with a darker color. Drag
the lower points to form a less uniform, more organic shape.
Add some shapes for highlights (matching the photo). The Blob Brush works well for organic
shapes such as these. Fill with a much lighter yellowish-red.
Step 12
Draw a couple of drips on the side of the candle. You can use the Pen tool or the Blob Brush,
or whatever you prefer. Fill the drips with a radial gradient, taking care to match the colors so
the drips appear to blend into the main candle shape.
Step 13
Your candle should now look like the image below.
Step 14
For the wick, draw a simple path with the Pen tool. Make it thick, with rounded end caps.
Then go to Object > Path > Outline stroke to expand it. Fill with a linear gradient that goes
from the candle color to a burnt brown.
Step 15
Now we’ll make the flame. First, the glow around the flame can be made with a simple Blend.
Draw three ellipses, as in the image below. The outer one’s fill should match your rich black
background, and the other two should be bright yellow and orange, as shown.
Step 16
Double-click the Blend tool to bring up its options. Make sure Smooth Color is chosen, then
select the three ovals and go to Object > Blend > Make.
Step 17
For the flame, we’ll use Gradient Mesh. Draw the outline of the flame shape, using the photo
as a guide. Since the color of the flame is concentrated toward the bottom, it makes sense to
create the mesh with the Mesh tool, rather than the menu item.
Take the Mesh tool (U) and click about four times on the flame outline, near the bottom, to
create horizontal mesh lines. Do the same with two clicks near the top. Then click a horizontal
line twice, close to either side of the original path.
Step 18
As you did with the candle, sample color from the photo. Move individual mesh points to
create a more organic look, and to create a shadow for the wick.
Place the flame on top of the glow, and bring the wick to the front.
Conclusion
You don’t need a crazy amount of mesh points to make a realistic illustration. Paying careful
attention to the placement of the points, their color, and their relationship to one another is the
key to a successful Gradient Mesh.