Creating gradient meshes
Gradient meshes are used to enhance the realism of objects with reflective surfaces, such as a ceramic jar or a brass trumpet, and also to create abstract wallpapers that are colorful without being too distracting.
Inkscape doesn't have a gradient mesh tool like some other applications do, but we will work around this limitation in this recipe.
How to do it...
The following steps will demonstrate a workaround to gradient meshes:
1. Select the Rectangle tool (F4 or R) and create a rectangle. Set its fill to none, stroke to black, and convert it to a path (Shift + Ctrl + C).
2. Select the Node tool (F2 or N) and drag each of the four sides to distort them.
3. Duplicate the object (Ctrl + D).
4. Select the Pencil tool
(B), hold Shift and create a horizontal subpath intersecting the left and right side of the object; then create a second vertical subpath intersecting the top and bottom sides. The resulting path should be shaped like a cross, dividing the irregular...
