Juniperus Communis

[berobinson82]

Well shucks. Here I was thinking you didn't love me anymore. I very much like the feedback when I can get it. Thank you for taking the time.

@Mach5 - I agree with your assessment about the outline. I'm going to go back in and try and separate some more distinct layers.

@Rob - Thanks for the virt man. I was really close to getting rid of that lowest branch last night. I think you've nailed it with your virtual. Might take some time to fill in but I think we can make it work!

Thanks guys. It means a ton that you'd take your time to help me with some feedback.

 

[MACH5]

Of course! We all love helping other BNutters when we can! You have the skills to get it there so get to it! Rob's virt illustrates perfectly what can be done so I would stick with it. My virt is more broad strokes of some things to keep in mind as your tree develops further.

Have fun!

 

[berobinson82]

For your approval

Thanks again. I'm up way too late doing this edit, but I feel it was time well spent. Here's where I landed today. I've yet to work on the deadwood. I think it's closer to what you (Mach5 / Rob) were pointing towards. Am I close?



The back branch inder the cloth, I'd like to keep for health reasons, but not for design. My prettier half says to keep it. I'll honor my promise and put it up for debate. It can move up or down.



Once again, I'd like to thank you for your input. Means a bunch to a white belt.

 

[october]

Yes, I feel that we are moving even more so in the right direction. Our goal should always be to make the most out of the material we have. With that being said, I would like to offer another possibility. Trees look best when there is some foliage/pad underneath the apex. This elimiantes the long neck look. In this case, as mentioned, we need to see some of the upper trunk for the tree to look more balanced though.

Currently,to me, something still seems a bit off with the overall image of the tree. I think it might be because the tree is growing in one direct, then with one curve, is growing in the other direct. It is not bad, but just something that when you look at the tree, you know there is something not quite balanced.

Here is an option I will present for your consideration. It will take some time and effort, but it might create the best image. Air layering or even ground laying the tree might be good start. Adding a spiral shari will draw attention to the curves of the shari, not the trunk. Next, let the tree grow wild for a while. Try to get some foliage underneath the apex. Whether it be from a side pad or the apex itself. This is what I came up with. You could have this image in about 2 1/2 years. It is all about if you want to put this much effort into this tree and if you like the virt I created.

Rob

 

[berobinson82]

The shorter tree does speak to me. I've successfully airlayered junipers the past two years so that's a definite possibility. I'm unsure about making a shari of such magnitude. I remember BVF makign a shari in stages by cutting out football shaped pieces and extending them each year. Perhaps that would be a safer option.

As for the work put into it... I can't see keeping this around for the entirety of my life in bonsai. Lucky that I have a full year to stare at this and consider this new image. I thank you again for putting the time and effort into a post and a virt.

Though better, I agree it still feels disjointed.

Guess I got what I paid for! It might be time to start working with nicer material before I run out of space. Boot sale!