I've seen some tutorials about how to convert a gradient perpendicular to a path, but I'm interested in making some pictures like the one below for manipulating some UI elements I'm creating. See how at one point on the path it starts white then builds to black (or vice versa depending on how you look at it). Need a clean linearly interpolated gradient like that. can't figure it out. Any help would be much appreciated.
Linda, I thought that was an ingenious solution!
I was also reminded of this tutorial by Veerle on how to create gradient rings in Illustrator. She uses Illustrator's object blend capabilities to create the gradient, then defines it as an art brush so that it can be applied to the circular path.
http://veerle.duoh.com/design/article/gradient_rings_in_illustrator
Now that Illustrator CS6 supports gradient strokes, one can create this effect directly by drawing a circle and then setting the stroke option in the Gradient panel to "Apply gradient along stroke". It's almost too easy.
A gradient stroke along a path can almost be created in Fireworks by choosing Edit Stroke, selecting Sensitivity, and adjusting the Lightness (or Hue/Saturation, depending on the stroke color), but the result looks too fingerpainted to be usable.
