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Yukio Miyamoto | Adobe Illustrator "Gradient Mesh"

Adobe Illustrator's "Gradient Mesh" Tool

If you have never used an airbrush, you will probably be way ahead of the game when approaching the use of Adobe Illustrator's "Gradient Mesh Tool" for the first time. I have found it to be one of the most frustratingly time consuming and counterintuitive computer drawing tools. This is especially true when compared to Photoshop's "Paintbrush Tool, which is very similar to an actual airbrush in its operation and use. Some intrepid artists however, seem to take to Illustrator's Gradient tool quite well. Yukio Miyamoto is a perfect example of someone who was not deterred by the extra effort required.

Yukio Miyamoto

Yukio has been working with Adobe Illustrator since its creation, and it shows in his work. Using a combination of Blends, Gradients and the Gradient Mesh tool, Yukio achieves a stunning level of detail and finesse in his execution of reflective surfaces.

Illustration of French Horn © - by Yukio Miyamoto

Zoom

According to Sharon Steuer in her book "Adobe Illustrator CS WOW!", Yukio starts by tracing over photographic reference placed in a "template" layer. Using the pen tool, he creates solid shapes to delineate pronounced reflections or objects and then fills each of these shapes with some variation of gradients or blends.

The end result is truly amazing. The two examples of his work below, show his illustrations in "Outline" Mode and final "Preview" mode.

Illustration of Leica Camera © - by Yukio Miyamoto

Zoom: Leica Camera

Illustration of Fountain Pen © - by Yukio Miyamoto

Zoom: Fountain Pen

Illustration of Nagra Recorder © - by Yukio Miyamoto

Zoom: Nagra Recorder

Illustration of Outboard Motor © - by Yukio Miyamoto

Zoom: Outboard Motor

Yukio has published an Adobe Illustrator how-to book "The Adobe Illustrator Super Guide" (Peachpit Press) but sadly, it is only available in Japanese at this time.

Illustration of Sports Car © - by Yukio Miyamoto

Illustration of Vacuum Tube © - by Yukio Miyamoto

Illustration of Motorcycle © - by Yukio Miyamoto

Zoom: Illustration of Motorcycle

Illustration of Alphonse Mucha Print © - by Yukio Miyamoto

Illustration of Mucha Print - by Yukio Miyamoto

Zoom: Alphonse Mucha Print

Yukio Miyamoto's Studio

To view more of Yukio Miyamoto's amazing artwork please visit his Website Portfolio.

Be sure to check out Sharon Steuer's Illustrator how-to book "The Adobe Illustrator CS3 Wow!."

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