Filling between objects in illustrator

[1cal]

Can anyone help me with applying a fill color to an enclosed space in Illustrator which is not inside an object.

In my example I have vectorised a pen line drawing and the converter has created some objects which represent the outline of my pen strokes and chosen a black fill to color in the objects. I would like to fill in my line drawing orange however the fill option only affects the objects, which are already black. The enclosed objects represent the length and thickness of the drawn lines.  I can't see a way of applying a fill to the area enclosed by the other object which is not part of an object itself.

Does this make any sense?

Any help with this will be much appreciated.

Thanks
Cal

[RayB]

show me

[1cal]

Here is the AI file with the black outlined drawing. I have also included a JPG created on Photoshop with the colours which I would like to recreate on Illustrator.

[lostwire]

If I'm understanding what you're trying to do first make sure that your black outline is completely connected all the way around. Create a big rectangle that surrounds the kangaroo & send it behind the black outline. Highlight everything & click the divide button & delete the excess of the rectangle surrounding your outline. Now you'll have a fill section which colors can be applied to.

If your black outline is not connected what I outlined above won't work. Let me know if this helps any or if I completely misunderstood your problem.

[RayB]

OK so what are you trying to fill?
See, usually I do an outline, and then over on the toolbar on the left, there's 2 color settings. One for outline, and one for fill. If the FILL option is white with a red line through it, then change that so it has a color instead. Now your shape will have a fill.

[1cal]

Thanks guys!

This did the trick

I had to close the black outline as recommended by adding a clear rectangle then merging the outlines. Then dividing the rectangle worked as said.

Thanks also for the fill toolbar tip.

Cal