Illustrator Graphics - Tracing and Live Paint

Demonstration: Using the Pen tool and Live Paint


Exercise #1: Repeat the Pen Tool exercise from last week without the instructions. To turn off the instructions, do the following:

1. Unlock the layer titled Template by clicking on the padlock icon in the Layers panel
2. Select one of the blue text objects
3. Choose Select>Same>Fill Colour from the Select menu
4. Choose Object>Hide>Selection

Exercise #2: Trace the following 2D cartoon characters to practice your Pen Tool Skills. Make should all of your paths intersect otherwise you will have difficulty filling areas using Live Paint.  To ensure your paths intersect, make sure View>Smart Guides is turned on.

Advanced Exercise: Experiment with using and controlling gradients.

1. Download the image of a cherry - http://www.cherryontop.com.au/images/cherry.jpg 
2. Recreate the image using simple gradients 
3. Recreate the image using a Gradient Mesh

Resource: Gradient Mesh Tutorial (cherries) - http://vector.tutsplus.com/tutorials/illustration/illustrate-a-pair-of-sweet-gradient-mesh-cherries/