complicated blending problems

[Mandala]

I'm creating a tree image where the center of the trunk, branches and roots are 10% transparent brown and blends twenty steps out to a 100% transparent brown. I drew the outer tree shape as one shape with the pen tool, and then drew a separate inner tree shape (just slightly smaller) also with the pen tool. Upon blending, the larger trunk blended okay, the branches seemed to blend good enough (a few minor problems), but the root area which has more detail in a tighter area completely blew apart. I've tried different blending settings, adding anchor points, merging separate objects and many others. I'm frustrated and confused. How is blending controlled in a situation like this to prevent exploding?

Thanks,
Mandala

 

[jimoblak]

Blending is soooo twentieth century. How about a gradient mesh if you are using a recent version of Illustrator?

Blending and meshes are not well suited for organic twisting of branches/root in a tree. You might need to creat intermediate blends to control twisting.

Make sure you are using the exact number of points on the blended objects.

 

[Mandala]

I didn't realize how behind the times I was! I'm using Illustrator 10. Is there another way to get the same effect as the blending or meshing that would work better for the twisting branches and roots?

Thanks again,
Mandala

 

[jimoblak]

Twisted blends occur when the computer tries to morph/blend one point to another and some points cross over the blends of other points. Envision imaginary lines between the points that will blend. You may see some of these imaginary lines intersect with other pairs of points - - this is where your twisting will occur. The only way to deal with this is to coax the computer along by making intermediate blends. Between the inner and outer tree shape, try making a third shape mid-way between them. Then blend the inner to the midway. Finally blend the midway to the outer shape.

The key is to keep the same number of points in the objects that you blend.

There are limits to blending - - which you may have found with this tree.