How do I form a horizontal mesh line?

[karens33736303]

As an assignment, I am following a tutorial on how to create a realistic image of a tomato with the gradient mesh tool. In the instructions, it says to make a horizontal mesh line towards the bottom of the tomato shape. I attempted this, but it always forms a vertical mesh line instead. Is there any way to form the horizontal mesh line at the bottom of the object or to move a horizontal mesh line up and down?

[Monika Gause · Accepted solution]

Gradient meshes are always like tables deep down in their dark souls. No matter what their actual shape is, you will find 4 corners and between those there is a table.

In order to create the gradients you need for your artwork, you will need to create the mesh in a way that you get the corners exactly where you want them. That's the whole point of working with meshes. The rest is just time-consuming, patiently setting mesh lines and applying color.

If you can't get your mesh line where you want it to be then that is a sign that the corner point of your mesh is not where it should be. Most tutorials about meshes simply don't tell you that.

In order to get your corners where you need them:

Draw the outline of the shape (use more than 4 anchors and set 4 of these anchors where you need your corners)

Then select those 4 anchors with the direct selection tool

And Object > Create Gradient mesh

In the options select a low number od columns and rows, such as 2

Immediately after the mesh has been created, move the automatically created mesh lines where you need them. You need to move the points with the gradeint mesh tool. Press Shift while moving, because then the points move along the existing mesh lines.

Then go on and create more mesh lines. And even more.

[Jeff Witchel, ACI]

Don't know if this is what you're looking for, but here's a quick video about using Gradient Mesh to create photographic images: http://www.jeffwitchel.net/2012/01/gradient-mesh-magic/