Handle color changes and variations with ease by following this intermediate level tutorial. This is a special tutorial sponsored by Astute Graphics that incorporates the use of their high-quality Phantasm CS range Illustrator Pugins. We’ll work with Phantasm’s color shifting tools: Hue/Saturation and and Shift to Color, while we learn to contrast shapes when composing natural, vector scenes!

Final Image Preview

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Tutorial Details

• Program: Adobe Illustrator CS4 and Phantasm CS range (Designer, Studio or Publisher) Plugin
• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Estimated Completion Time: 1 Hour

Here is the illustration I’ll be creating. Click here to see the larger version. And keep in mind, while I’m using Phantasm CS Studio in this tutorial, the options we’ll be covering are available in any version of Phantasm CS.

Step 1

Using the Pen Tool (P), draw straight lines to create the basic shape of a tree.

Step 2

Draw other tree shapes that are even more simplified and varied.

Step 3

An important concept to keep in mind when creating the first dominant shapes in your illustration is that these shapes will create the foundation and overall flow for the illustration. So, pay attention that the layout is looking good from the start.

Step 4

I can make branches that extend from the trees using triangles. To make a triangle select the Star Tool (found under the Rectangle Tool). With the Star Tool selected, click and hold down on your artboard, then press the down arrow until your shape has three points. In addition, and after your shape has three points, you can press and hold the Shift key to make the triangle sit perfectly flat. Release the mouse then release the keystroke you’re holding.

Step 5

Using the Selection Tool (V) squish the triangle so it’s much pointier. Place the triangles throughout the trees sparingly.

Step 6

We’ll now use the Ellipse Tool (L) to create the leaves on the trees. Start with a simple circle.

Step 7

Grab the Convert Anchor Point Tool (Shift + C), then click the top and bottom points that make up the circle. This will immediately convert them into angles. After that, use the Selection Tool to squish the shape into that of a leaf.

Step 8

Place the leaves throughout the trees and on the branches.

Step 9

I’ll use the Polygon Tool to make the foundation of the flowers. Using the same technique that I used for creating the triangle, this time pressing the up key to give my polygon more sides.

Step 10

Select the polygon and go to Effect > Distort & Transform > Pucker & Bloat. Give the shape a Bloat of about 20.

Step 11

Place the flowers throughout the trees.

Step 12

I’ll add a little more interest to the trees by giving them some subtle texture. I use a series of triangles to accomplish this. I adjust their transparency so they don’t stand out too much.

Step 13

Now that I have a bit of the foreground in place I can move on to adding some background elements to get a better idea of the landscape. Using the Pen Tool, draw a pleasing curved shape that will become the mountains.

Be patient and ensure you have a visually pleasing flow for the mountains. The curve of the mountains contrasted by the very angular shape of the trees complement each other. This complementary effect is in play throughout the entire illustration.

Step 14

Finish drawing the shape of the mountain.

Step 15

Give the mountain a tenuous blue to bluish-green gradient.

Step 16

There is no real process for creating the background elements. My shapes are more random than calculated. As long as you’re maintaining a nice harmony and flow for the elements then you’re good to go.

Step 17

Add a blue box to the background to create the sky and send it to the back by going to Object > Transform > Send to Back.

Step 18

The shrubs have been created using the base shape of the flower. To create a slight sense of volume, copy and paste the shape on top of itself. Scale the shape down slightly, set the Transparency to Multiply and bring the Opacity down to approximately 45.

TIP: Copy the shape and press Command +F to paste it directly on top of where it was copied from.

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