Gradient Mesh Tool

This week I learned how to use the gradient mesh tool in Illustrator (Thanks Kai ...and online tutorials). In simple terms, a gradient is a blend of colours and a mesh is a grid that lets you construct a particular 3D shape. The photo on the right shows a simple circular object with gradient mesh points which make the object actually look like a sphere.

Below I applied the mesh tool to a few pictures I collected (one photo I found from the Internet and the other photo I took of my sister).  To do this technique I used the mesh tool and a plugin called the "mesh tormentor" (which can be found online).  Then I broke apart the image using the selection tool which produced a cool effect (at least what I think looks good).  Hope you enjoy!