Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Gause draws into the template with the Pencil tool, then she uses Live Paint to
add color to the blank
spaces formed between the lines (see the
Rethinking Construction
chapter for help
working with Live Paint). Once she figured out her first zebra, she set about making
a number of variations, some with a tongue sticking out, others with a flat smiling
row of teeth. Gause also allows anyone to use her templates, saying that her goal is
“to get a zebra into every home on the planet.”
LEAVENS
Opacity Masking
Smooth Transitions & Intertwining Objects
Advanced Technique
Overview:
Create soft transitions using single-object opacity masks; interweave objects using
complex multi-object opacity masks.
Chris Leavens' fantastic realms are made plausible by the way objects interact with
each other, creating depth and disguising vector edges. He often uses opacity masks
to overlap objects believably, as well as to soften transitions between shadow and full
light, or between transparent and opaque. Instead of cutting objects apart to create
the illusion of objects intermingling, with opacity masks you can keep objects intact
so you can continue to make adjustments. Whenever complex interactions or soft
transitions are called for, Leavens finds it easier to construct and work with opacity
masks than with clipping masks.
