Shape and gradient problem

[epochal]

Unfortunatly I don't know how to even call that kind of shape and effect, I tried to search for it but didn't find anything.

I am really wondering how to realize such an effect, I've tried serval things but I am not even pleased with the results of my shapes. I've tried simple art brushes and the blend options with a path. And another problem is that I have no clue how to set those highlight details, I tried gradients and the blend option again and also failed.

I hope someone could give me one or the other hint or atleast tell me how such "tentacles" are called so I can go an search for some more references and explanations.

http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/6361/38727430he9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[TORCH511]

There are a lot of different techniques you can use, and in al likelyhood a combination of gradient meshes, blends, and blurred shapes as well as brush strokes.

When I create things in this manner, I tend to also use a clipping mask as brush stokes & shapes I may use to create highlights and shadows will most likely venture outside of the shape.

Keep experimenting. Yes, it is a lot of work (at first) but you will learn a lot in the process. You have to find really what works best for you and for the image.