I've seen many versions of multicolored gradient like images, that are both non linear and heavily stylized. Usually in the form of layered blob like shapes.
My guess as to how they achieve this effect is
However as you'll notice by the distinct lines in the image the interpolated effect only appears in certain regions of the image. This effect is what I would like to achieve in metal.
One approach is to draw your solid colors and then apply a zoom or motion blur CoreImage filter to achieve the effect of a gradient, leaving some detail by where you place the center (for zoom) or the angle you set (for motion).
Here's an example of a before and a couple afters. The original image in this case is drawn with 2D function plotting but you could easily use a static input image/video-frame, draw an image with filled bezier paths, etc.
The second image uses a CIZoomBlur, input center pt just off image center at (240, 220), with amount set to 134.9.
The CIMotionBlur filter also produces some interesting gradient effects. Here's the same input image, with CIMotionBlur inputRadius 57.6 and inputAngle -0.415.
I think this could achieve what you're after providing you set up the original solid-color image as you like and are able to figure out optimal settings for the filters (angle, center pt etc.).
