In this tutorial, we’ll explain how to create a pair of cherries with the Gradient Mesh tool.
Step 1
Picked a good image of cherries and place the image in a new document. Make it a layer and lock it.
Step 2
With the Eyedropper Tool (I), pick five base red colours with one highlight colour.
Step 3
Choose the Pen Tool (P) and trace the outline of the left cherry. Then fill it with a medium colour that we picked in Step 2. Then choose the Mesh Tool (U) and add a mesh line by clicking on the shape.
Step 4
Add more mesh lines from the bottom up by close to the middle of the shape.
Step 5
Add more mesh lines and make it uneven. Some can be closer, other can be further apart.
Step 6
Continue to add mesh lines towards the top of the shape.
Step 7
If you accidentally made a mesh line, you can easily undo this by holding the Alt key and clicking on the mesh line.
Step 8
Try to keep the number of mesh lines minimal. Excess of it can be intimidating.
Step 9
Start with a simple objects while using mesh, such as an oval.
Step 10
Keep on adding mesh lines horizontally.
Step 11
Add mesh line close to the cherry outline. This will help setting up contrast areas.
Step 12
Now add mesh lines on the vertical. Below you can see the mesh object with its parts.
Step 13
Drag the shape below the cherry image. This makes it easier to apply the colours, like highlights and shadows. Using the Direct Selection Tool (A) choose the mesh point shown in the image and click on the lightest colour (number 1).
Step 14
Choose another mesh point to add another highlight point, and then fill it with the light red.
Step 15
Choose the mesh point below the first highlight point and fill it with a darker red.
Step 16
Choose the mesh point below the previous one and fill it with a lighter red.
Step 17
Choose a mesh point near the top right and fill it with the darkest red.
Step 18
Spread the colour a little by adjusting the control handles. Pull them with the Direct Selection Tool (A) and drag them around to see how it affects the colour.
Step 19
To define edges, choose the outer mesh points and fill them with the dark red.
Step 20
To add some highlights to the outline, choose some mesh points in between the darker points and fill them with the lightest red.
Step 21
Choose several outer mesh points and fill them with the light red. This will give the cherry a bevelled look.
Step 22
Repeat this action all around.
Step 23
Choose the mesh points close to the most outer points and fill them with the darkest red. Add some dark points to the middle of the shape.
Step 24
Let’s make the cherry look more round.
Step 25
Choose the mesh fields with the Direct Selection Tool (A) instead of mesh points and then fill them with the darkest red. This will spread out the colour more like a gradient. You can add more highlights and shadows, mid-tones and details.
Step 26
The cherry is now a gradient mesh object!
Step 27
To make the stem, create a shape with the Pen Tool (P) and fill it with green. Make the left half first.
Step 28
Make the right half of the stem and fill it with the same colour. Make sure that both shapes are closed and individual.
Step 29
Using the Gradient Mesh Tool (U) add mesh lines. When you come close to the outline of the shape, the mesh lines will overlap and placed outside the shape. They will not affect the colours for now.
Step 30
Add lighter and darker colours
Step 31
Repeat the same with the right part of the stem. To make them look like one stem, choose the top-left most mesh point with the Direct Selection Tool (A).
Step 32
Drag it slightly to the left and the colours are spreading with it.
Step 33
The stem is almost ready.
Step 34
Make a small shape with the Pen Tool (P) for the tip of the stem. Add mesh lines with the Gradient Mesh Tool (U). Choose the mesh points, and fill them with brown colours.
Conclusion
Make a copy of the cherry, reflect it, and move all parts together. Add some shadows (apply the Gaussian Blur). The cherries are ready!
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