Converting an object to a shape?

[defaultbwyz4a0ko2ku]

Hi, I am new to illustrator and I made this with the pen tool:

And I am trying to apply a freeform gradient to it, but I can't because its not a shape. It fails to convert to a shape, so what do I need to do to use the freeform gradient on it?

[Monika Gause]

Please show the layers panel and the outline view.

Please show the error message.

[defaultbwyz4a0ko2ku]

Not sure how to show outline view? Here is my layer panel and error message.

I don't really understand why it says 3/3, it's just one object. My other layers are locked as I'm just doing a simple image trace while I learn to use all the tools.

[Monika Gause · Accepted solution]

This is a live paint object. Expand that and maybe release a layer or two and then it should work.

[defaultbwyz4a0ko2ku]

Ok, how do I do that? Sorry, still trying to figure everything out.

Thanks!

[Monika Gause]

Just click the "Expand" button in the control panel (the one running along the top of your document).

[defaultbwyz4a0ko2ku]

Yes that worked. Thank you!