How to get the gradient from your art in Illustrator

Gradient From Art is an Astute Graphics tool and panel for Adobe Illustrator that allows the creation of gradients through a virtual sampling line, picking up color information from the art objects under it, both raster and vector. Colors can be sampled from specific locations, continuously along the line, or just from selected node points.

You can find the Gradient From Art tool in the Advanced Toolbar stacked under the AG Color Select tool. It’s part of the SubScribe plugin.

• Once you select the tool, you can start to create your sampling gradient line then click and drag to make color stop nodes.

• A rubber band will be attached to your cursor, hold Option/Alt to create your final node, or use the Esc key while moving the cursor to stop the rubber band.

• Hold Option/Alt when hovering over the sampling line and a plus will appear by the cursor. Click to add a new color stop.

• To remove a color stop, hold Option/Alt and hover over the the node and you’ll see a minus appear at the cursor. Click to remove it.

• Click-and-drag your color stops to move them until you’re happy with your gradient.

• You can then save to a Gradient Forge Pocket to adjust further, or save it to your Swatches panel.

Full documentation can be found here.

Youtube tutorial here.