Englemann spruce #3 progression

[Tycoss]

Nice to see such nice buds on Englemann spruce. Mine are still frozen int the ground in my raised beds:

 

[Hartinez]

Even though this view seems more 'expressive', I get the feeling that it is mooning me.

On the other hand, my quick impression of your currently chosen front it that it would look better tilted to the right (and maybe a bit forward) - by quite a bit, but less than 30 degrees. It just seems too upright for the branch asymmetry. Even then, it seems to just be there, whereas the mooning view has some real feeling - I just wish it was a more friendly feeling. Maybe if the apex gave a feeling of looking back at me. Maybe ... oh, I dunno. Maybe it just needs some time.

I just mean 'food for thought'. What makes a design say something (or be 'expressive') as opposed to just being there, looking nice?

I think my styling is good but needs work, For all of my trees. And I think what is lacking in my case, at least for me personal expression, but maybe more people, is confidence in execution. I lack the confidence in certainty that branches need to be placed just so or oriented just so. I’m getting there, but not there yet.

 

[Hartinez]

Nice to see such nice buds on Englemann spruce. Mine are still frozen int the ground in my raised beds:View attachment 296709

I have fallen for englemann pretty hard. They are quite hardy, I had been planning a collecting trip in May, but my go to area is closed to the public.

 

[River's Edge]

I think my styling is good but needs work, For all of my trees. And I think what is lacking in my case, at least for me personal expression, but maybe more people, is confidence in execution. I lack the confidence in certainty that branches need to be placed just so or oriented just so. I’m getting there, but not there yet.

I would consider the following. Expression improves with branch density and increased foliage. I agree less is more but not enough makes it difficult to express a difference!
Trees that have been thinned out often need more depth for expression. The depth comes from additional branching or foliage. extra refinement if you will!
Stated differently often times we mistake the bare bones for the design, seeking a stark simplicity when subtlety can only be expressed with a bit more density to show differences. Just some thoughts!

 

[0soyoung]

I think what is lacking in my case, at least for me personal expression, but maybe more people, is confidence in execution. I lack the confidence in certainty that branches need to be placed just so or oriented just so. I’m getting there, but not there yet.

I think that it is just practice, practice, practice, for you.
For me, the deficiencies are much more basic - that is why I am playing the role of the art critic

 

[Leo in N E Illinois]

I really like this front, as is.

I'd be ecstatic with where the engelmann is at right now. Let it grow this season and settle in, you don't need to do more. In late summer or autumn, you can shorten up a few branches a little more. Don't rush it, it looks great as is. It needs a few more years before you reduce this to "Spruce Literati".

your best front in my opinoin

 

[Hartinez]

Another wonderful and healthy year of growth with this tree, with lots of new buds and back buds to choose from for next year. Pinching will commence next year along with a fresh pair of shoes.

 

[Hartinez]

Got a little snow in Abq today. Supposed to dump for the next 2 days.

 

[August44]

I like what you have done with this tree! I have lots of Engelmann here and they are very hardy, forgiving, and fun to collect and work with. Certainly my favorite!