Create opacity mask from self shape?

Is there a way to automatically create an opacity mask in the same shape as my selected object?

With the object selected...
- Copy
- Choose Make Opacity Mask in the Transparency panel menu
- Click on the Mask thumbnail in the Transparency pane
- Paste in Front

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         g.dispose();
        //only begins painting blended image after it is created (to prevent NullPointer)
        public void paint(Graphics g) {
         if (finalImage == null){
             //setClip call not required, just added to facilitate future changes
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             g.drawImage(firstImage,0,0,this);
             g.drawImage(secondImage,0,0,this);
         } else {
             g.setClip(0,0,clipX,clipY);
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        public static void main( String[] args ) {
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         additiveAnimation.setVisible(true);
         additiveAnimation.repaint();

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