I usually encounter annulus-like shapes such as the one shown below:
I want to create a gradient mesh out of this array of discrete patches. However, Adobe Illustrator can only create rectangular gradient mesh. I had to fudge the mesh to this annulus. I'm wondering is there a good way to create a gradient mesh that cover this annulus shape and so that the mesh grid more or less follow the grid of the annulus?
This is what I find to be an acceptable solution. First, create a gradient mesh to a box as follows.
Second, drag every other box to a suitable location.
Third, rotate each box to a suitable angle.
Fourth, drag each vertex to a suitable location.
Fifth, pick up color for each vertex from the original figure.
Sixth, use the original figure to create a mask for the mesh.
Although it is stupid, it will eventually get what I want.
