Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Once he brought it into Illustrator, he used the same methods described on the
opposite page, relying on the Pen tool to draw progressively smaller details, and
the Path-finder panel with the Divide command to create the areas representing
every nuance of the bike and its reflections. He worked on a section at a time,
starting with less detailed areas, and bringing each to near completion before
moving to the next area. Nielsen would often zoom to a comfortable 300% or so to
work on fine details, but rarely more than that. In this manner, he always managed
to keep an eye on the way the area he was working on was affecting the image as
a whole. Color started with the photo itself, but Nielsen didn't rely upon the photo to
produce the most accurate and pleasing tones. He used his artist's eye to adjust
colors until the right hues and values were represented. Since Nielsen's work is so
photorealistic, he purposely leaves sections in an “outline view” appearance so the
viewer will realize that it is still a drawing they're looking at and not a photograph.
When completed, Nielsen's “Chingon” brought to life a rare, custom
motorcycle for everyone to enjoy.
NIELSEN
Chris Nielsen
Chris Nielsen created another stunning image using the same drawing technique
described on
the opposite page
. Nielsen likes to begin drawing an area of the
photograph that contains a large object, such as a gas tank, or big pipe. Working
over a template layer that contained his original photograph, he first drew the
outline of a lar
ge object with the
Pen tool. Then he drew paths for each area where
the color value changed within that object. He selected the paths and clicked the
Divide Pathfinder icon. He continued in this manner until there were enough
shapes to define the object. This was a particularly challenging motorcycle to draw
because there are only slight variations in one overall color. Nielsen filled each
individual object with a custom color chosen from the Swatches panel. In all of his
motorcycle illustrations, the reflection of Nielsen taking the photograph is visible—
here it is shown in the magnified detail Motorcycle Detail.
