Post pobrano z: How to Create an Easter Basket Illustration in Adobe Illustrator

The majority of people in Ukraine, the country where I grew up, are Christian. Therefore, Ukrainian culture has a big influence from Christianity, and one of the biggest celebrations in Ukraine is Easter. 

In today’s tutorial I would like to show you how to use basic shapes to create a wonderful image in Adobe Illustrator. You will also learn how to create some decorated Easter eggs and a little chick. As always, we will apply different warp effects to some basic shapes to achieve the beautiful result we want. I think that this image is really festive looking and perfect for the Easter occasion. 

Did you have a chance to check what GraphicRiver has for Easter? If not, make sure to check its wonderful collection. If yes, let’s get started!

1. How to Create the Paska (an Easter Bread)

Step 1

Create a new document (File > New) with 850 px Width and 850 px Height. Let’s start with the special baked Easter bread, which in Ukraine is called paska. Take the Ellipse Tool (L) and create a brown ellipse. Next, we will apply the warp effect to this ellipse. Go to Effect > Warp > Arc Lower and enter the presented options. Expand the shape once you like how it looks (Object > Expand Appearance).

Step 2

Using the Rounded Rectangle Tool, create a lighter rounded rectangle. Place it behind (Control-X, Control-B) the top part.

Now by using the warp effect, we will slightly deform this rounded rectangle to show that it’s round. Select the rounded rectangle and go to Effect > Warp > Arc Lower. In the new window, adjust the presented options. Expand this shape (Object > Expand Appearance). Starting from this step, remember to always expand all transformed objects on which we use the warp effect.

Step 3

To add frosting on top of the paska, create a light oval on the top part. Now we will add some dimensions to the frosting by making it look as if it is dripping. Double-click on the Warp Tool (Shift-R), and in the pop-up window, select Brush Dimensions: Width and Height around 30 px, Angle 0 degree, Intensity 100 %; Warp options: Detail 2, Simplify 50. These options are approximate, so they can be slightly different in your case. 

Select the ellipse that we just placed as the frosting, and start to spread it over the paska as shown by the arrows. A very important point: select the object before you use the Warp Tool (Shift-R), otherwise you will spread other objects surrounding it.

Step 4

Let’s add some sprinkles on top. Add some tiny baby blue and pastel pink rounded rectangles over it (use the Rounded Rectangle Tool). Feel free to change the colors of the sprinkles for a more personal touch.

Step 5

To finish our paska, we will add a candle on top. First create a green, thin, horizontal rounded rectangle. Then add a tiny orange oval on top and apply the warp effect: Effect > Warp > Inflate (enter the options shown below).

2. How to Create the Easter Eggs

Step 1

Let’s start with a blue ellipse for an egg. Select the bottom and top anchor points by using the Direct Selection Tool (A), and move them up by pressing the Up Arrow key on the keyboard.

Step 2

Next, we will work on the decorative pattern of the egg. First, delete the fill color and set the stroke color. Draw a few dark blue and white lines of different thicknesses using the Line Segment Tool (\). To have a straight line, hold the Shift key while drawing the line. The line thickness can be changed on the Stroke panel (Window > Stroke) by changing the stroke Weight.

Also add a line of white and blue circles. To do so, create a small circle (use the Ellipse Tool (L) while holding down the Shift key). Make a copy of the circle: while holding the Shift and Alt keys, drag the circle to the right. This way, you’ll create a second copy of the circle, which will be horizontally aligned. While the newly created circle is selected, press Control-D a few more times to repeat the previous step and create a group of circles exactly the same distance from each other. Group them for your convenience (right-click > Group).

To add a zig-zag line, first create a straight line. Then modify it: go to Effect > Distort & Transform > Zig Zag… In the Zig Zag options window, adjust the Size and Ridges per segment to achieve a similar zig-zag effect as in the image below. Don’t forget to select Points: Corner. For your convenience, select Preview while adjusting these options. At the end, click OK.

Place the entire decorative pattern in front of the egg’s base shape, but don’t group all these lines and zig-zags. Next, while keeping it selected, go to Effect > Warp > Arc. In the new window, adjust the options you can see in the image below.

Be sure your transformed decoration is wider than the egg’s base shape. Then expand this decoration (Object > Expand Appearance). Now it is very important to expand it one more time, but this time go to Object > Expand, and then hit OK.

Step 3

Now we need to cut off the unnecessary parts of the decoration. Make a copy of the egg’s base shape in front (Control-C, Control-F), cut it off (Control-X), and place it in front of everything (Control-F). Here’s a little help: when you create a copy in front of the egg’s basic shape, this copy will appear just in front of the egg’s base shape, not in front of the decoration which we created.

Then we need to cut off the copy and place it in front of everything, but this time in front of the egg’s base shape and ornamental decoration.

While keeping this copy in front and the ornament selected, press the Crop button in the Pathfinder panel (Window > Pathfinder). You will end up with the egg’s base shape with a resized piece of decoration on it.

Step 4

Let’s create a dotted Easter egg. Make a copy of the blue egg shape from the previous step. Add a white circle in front of the egg’s base. Make more copies of the circle (move the original circle into different directions while holding the Alt key) and place them all over the egg as you wish.

Once all the dots are placed, we need to cut off the unnecessary parts of the circles which are outside of the egg’s boundaries. Similarly to the previous step, make a copy of the egg’s base in front (Control-C, Control-F), cut it off (Control-X), and place it in front of everything (Control-F). 

While keeping this front copy of the egg’s base selected, select all circles. To select all of the circles at once, grab the Magic Wand Tool (Y) and hit on one of the circles which are visible outside of the egg. By pressing on one of the circles, this tool will select all similar objects, which in this case, are all of the circles. 

Once you’ve selected all the circles along with the top copy of the egg, press the Crop button in the Pathfinder panel. Our dotted Easter egg is now ready!

Step 5

Make two more copies of the dotted Easter egg, and change the color of the dots and the egg’s base.

Step 6

We can also add a flower pattern to our Easter eggs. To create the flower, we will start with a white circle and a white vertical oval above it. Keep in mind that the black stroke is there only for better visibility, so you don’t actually need it. 

Next, select the oval, hit the Rotate Tool (R) and, while keeping Alt button pressed, click in the middle of the circle. Enter 45 degrees in the new dialogue window and press Copy. To finish the flower, press Control-D six more times.

Step 7

Now create two more copies of the white flower and place them in front of the egg’s base (this time, make it orange). 

Next, as in the previous steps, make a copy of the egg’s base in front (Control-C, Control-F), cut it off (Control-X), and place it in front of everything (Control-F). While keeping this front copy of the egg’s base selected, select all the flowers. (You can use the Magic Wand Tool (Y) as in the previous step). 

Once you have selected all the flowers and the top copy of the egg, press the Crop button in the Pathfinder panel. The Easter egg decorated with flowers is ready!

Step 8

Make another copy of the flower-decorated egg and change its color to pink.

Now we have six nicely decorated Easter eggs.

3. How to Create the Easter Basket

Step 1

Create a light brown rectangle and deform it: go to Effect > Warp > Bulge. Enter the options presented below and press OK.

After that, apply another warp effect (Effect > Warp > Arch) and apply the options shown below.

Step 2

For the handle of the basket, create an oval with no fill color and light brown stroke color. On the Stroke panel, adjust the stroke Weight to get a result similar to the one shown below.

Now add a set of darker lines. Create a straight line using the Line Segment Tool (\) while holding the Shift key. The line thickness can be controlled on the Stroke panel (Window > Stroke) by changing the stroke Weight. To multiply the created line, make a copy of it (holding the Shift and Alt keys and drag the line up) and, while the newly created line is selected, press Control-D a couple of times. Group them for your convenience (right-click > Group) and expand (Object > Expand).

Now apply the Arch effect shown below. Make a copy of the basket base in front (Control-C, Control-F), cut it off (Control-X), and place it in front of everything (Control-F). While keeping this front copy of the basket base selected, select all the lines and press the Crop button in the Pathfinder panel. The basket is ready!

Step 3

Now place all of the objects to create a nice composition. Be sure that the base of the basket is placed in front of the Easter eggs and paska, which are inside the basket.

Finally, create a darker oval and place it behind everything.

4. How to Create the Chick

Step 1

To create the tiny chick, we will start with a yellow oval, which will be deformed by the Arc effect and the options shown below. This is the body of the chick.

Step 2

Next, create an ellipse which is almost a circle and apply another warp effect. This will be the head of the chick.

Step 3

Place the head of the chick on its body, as shown in the image below. Note how the body is slightly tilted. Add a small brown oval and a tiny white circle for the eye.

Step 4

For the beak, create an orange oval and apply the Arc effect with the options presented below.

Step 5

Let’s put the beak on the chick. Be sure that the beak is placed behind the head (Control-X, Control-B).

Next, we will add the wing. Create a copy of the body shape, change it to a darker color, make it smaller, and place it on the body. Finally, make another copy of the body shape in front, and shift it up.

Step 6

To add the tail, create a small yellow oval and modify it with the Arc effect shown.

Step 7

Make three more copies of the shape, and make two of them slightly thinner. Place two bigger ones as the tail, and two smaller ones as forelocks on the head.

Step 8

For the chick’s leg, create an oval and place it on the bottom part of the body. Then, create a thin rectangle, slightly rotate it to the left, and attach it behind the oval.

Step 9

Create a new copy of one of the forelocks, change its color to orange, and place it on the bottom of the leg, as a toe. Create two more copies to give it two more toes.

After that, create a vertical copy of one toe to have the fourth toe. You can also add a few feathers on the leg using the forelock.

Group the whole leg, and make a new copy of it. Make the new leg smaller and place it close to the first one. And our cute chick is ready!

Place all the objects together.

5. How to Create the Background

Step 1

For the background, create a square with no stroke color and with 850 px Width and Height. To make the square, select the Rectangle Tool (M), click on your artboard, and then enter the options needed.

Step 2

To finalize the image, add a darker ellipse below as a shadow.

Step 3

Place the background and shadow behind the Easter basket and chick: select the background, cut it off (Control-X), and put it behind (Control-B).

Conclusion

What a wonderful illustration we have created! I hope you like your final outcome and the process. If you want, you can also add some crocuses to your Easter basket—here is the tutorial where I show you how to create these flowers.

• 
  Vector
  How to Create a Spring Floral Pattern in Adobe Illustrator
  Nataliya Dolotko

Feel free to customize the image to your liking. So now that you have followed this tutorial, I hope that you can create more amazing images in Adobe Illustrator.

See you next time!

Post pobrano z: How to Draw a Tree

Trees are beautiful embodiments of nature’s abundance and variety. They can live for many years; the oldest tree ever discovered is approximately 5,000 years old. No wonder that artists of all skill levels are attracted to trees, trying to convey their charm and diversity. 

In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to draw a typical tree, using graphite pencils. But first, we need to observe some basic things, like constructing a branch with twigs, creating an illusion of foliage, and drawing the bark.

Let’s dive into the world of nature and have fun!

You may also be interested in these tutorials on drawing trees and leaves:

• 
  Drawing
  How to Draw Trees
  Monika Zagrobelna

• 
  Nature
  How to Draw a Leaf Step by Step
  Eugenia Hauss

What You Will Need

You will need the following supplies to create this project:

• an HB graphite pencil
• a 3B graphite pencil
• an eraser
• drawing paper

1. How to Draw Bark

Step 1

What is commonly called bark includes a number of different tissues that overlay the wood and serve as a protective barrier. For example, cork is an external tissue that is impermeable to water and gases.

Why do we start with this part of the tree? Bark is a concluding element that covers the shape of the trunk and branches. Knowing how to draw bark will speed up our process later on, when we gain an understanding of designing a tree from scratch.

Let’s draw just a sample of the tree bark in close-up; we’ll focus on its pattern and details. With an HB pencil, I draw a small rectangle and fill it with lines that imitate the bark’s pattern.

Don’t overthink this pattern in the early stages; just draw something resembling irregular rhombs.

Step 2

I add more details to the drawing, using the HB pencil. The groups of parallel hatches help to create the illusion of a three-dimensional surface.

Step 3

With the 3B pencil, I darken the borders between the sections of bark. You can also use dots to make the texture more interesting.

Step 4

With the 3B pencil, I decrease the contrast, covering the sample with a layer of soft, smooth hatching. Then I accentuate the shadows once again. This sample is complete!

Step 5

Let’s create another sample of the bark texture; this time I draw larger shapes, using the HB pencil. I also add areas of moss and cover them with a layer of hatching.

Step 6

With the HB pencil, I add some shadows to the moss and the bark.

Step 7

With the 3B pencil, I increase the contrast in the drawing, accentuating the borders between the sections and under the moss.

Step 8

I add more details with dots and short hatches, using the 3B pencil. I also darken the perimeter of the sample to create an illusion of depth.

2. How to Draw a Branch

Step 1

A branch is a woody element that is connected to the central trunk of a tree. Large branches are known as boughs, and small branches are known as twigs or sprigs.

Branches and twigs may be found in many different shapes and sizes; while branches can be nearly horizontal, vertical, or diagonal, the majority of trees have upwardly diagonal branches.

Let’s draw a standard branch; I mark its core line with the HB pencil. It’s also useful to mark the place where the branch connects to the trunk.

Step 2

I draw the form of the branch. Remember that it is a three-dimensional shape with a round foundation.

Step 3

I erase the subsidiary lines and refine the contour of the branch.

Step 4

I add the smaller branches. Feel free to add as many of them as you wish, and make them diverse.

Step 5

I add tiny twigs.

Step 6

I draw the leaves; they capture light energy and convert it into sugars by photosynthesis, providing the food for the tree’s growth and development.

Make sure that the leaves in your drawing have different sizes and directions. Usually, we don’t see each leaf as an individual element, but for the sake of our study let’s allow a hint of stylization.

Step 7

I add the long lines and the groups of hatching, imitating the bark texture. It’s so great that we already know how to draw bark, isn’t it?

Step 8

With the 3B pencil, I darken the sides of the branch to make it three-dimensional. I also fill the space around the leaves with groups of hatches to create an illusion of depth.

3. How to Draw a Tree

Step 1

Now we are ready to draw the whole tree. I mark the foundation of the tree and add the core line.

Step 2

A tree usually has a wide foundation and a thin top. I construct the shape of the tree, creating the segments of the shape and joining them together with a pencil contour.

Step 3

I add the shapes of the branches; they differ in size and direction.

Step 4

I erase the subsidiary lines and refine the contour. When it comes to the natural objects, small imperfections are charming!

Step 5

I add the smaller branches and twigs, based on the principles that we observed in the previous part of the tutorial.

Step 6

Since we are drawing a whole tree, there is no point in representing every single leaf. I add rough shapes of the leaves just to the lower branches and the bounds of the crown.

It’s important to keep the shapes sketchy; too many details will make your drawing look weird and unnatural.

Step 7

Let’s create an illusion of foliage. An easy way to draw masses of leaves is to fill the crown with scribble lines. You can find an example of this technique in the lower corner of the illustration below.

With the HB pencil, I cover the area of the crown with scribble-like lines, leaving some areas lighter and darkening the underside of the crown.

Step 8

It’s time to work on the trunk; it usually is darker than the foliage, so having the right contrast is vital.

With the HB pencil, I draw the rough pattern of the bark and mark the core shadows. Please note that we see this pattern from a distance, so having much detail here won’t be a help.

I also decided to bring in a cute addition: a hollow with an owl that is looking out. 

Step 9

With the 3B pencil, I increase the contrast in the drawing. Feel free to make the sides of the tree and the visible parts of the branches really dark.

Step 10

With the 3B pencil, I darken the foliage, accentuating the lower part of the crown. The goal here is to achieve a contrasting yet harmonious look.

I complete the drawing by adding some grass near the base of the trunk.

4. How to Draw a Tree Stump

Step 1

With the HB pencil, I draw the core line and the foundation of the stump.

Step 2

I add the top section of the stump. The core line may be a useful reference tool, but you don’t have to make this shape perfectly even.

Step 3

I mark the texture of the bark, using the HB pencil.

Step 4

A transverse section through a tree trunk may show concentric circles of lighter and darker wood—the tree rings (also known as the annual growth rings). These circles usually have a regular shape, but sometimes, due to abnormal growth conditions, they turn into wavy joint lines.

I mark the center of the inner part of the trunk, and then draw circular shapes going from the section’s center to the periphery. I also add small cracks to make the drawing more credible.

Step 5

With the HB pencil, I create the texture of the bark. I also add horizontal hatches to the top section of the stump to accentuate its flat plane.

Step 6

I darken the sides of the stump, using the 3B pencil. It’s time to add details to the bark, like small islets of moss, and to vary the pattern of the growth rings.

The top plane of the stump may demonstrate interesting transitions from a darker core to a lighter periphery (which proceeds to a slightly darker area near the bark).

Step 7

The drawing of the stump itself is complete, but it doesn’t look believable. I add some grass and fern leaves to create a nice natural environment.

Your Drawings Are Complete

Congratulations—we’ve created four beautiful graphite pencil sketches! I hope you were inspired by the trees and enjoyed the process of drawing.

Let your creative journey be fruitful and full of joy!