Dwight
Chumono
Damn Will , will you quit posting those trees that die when I touch them !!!! I really like them. Guess I need to move my arce out this winter and find some pinons.
Its a shame about that dead branch. Natures choice or not, I think that this tree now needs some serious rethinking. That was a very important branch for the overall design.
I think it creates a stark contrast between the Japanese aesthetic (as we see it here in the US) and the "Naturalistic" style. It also shows the effect of baby bending (on now-jinned as well as living branches), emphasis on deadwood, sparse foliage, and other Naturalistic techniques I and others talk about here.
Oh, daygan, you're in for a treat! If you don't mind Will, can you (or allow me) to post a link to the article over on the site?
There is a terrific article Will posted on another bonsai forum that shows this process in detail. It's a systematic wiring process that creates great age in a tree. And this tree is a wonderful example of what can be achieved in a small amount of time using this method.
Ok Daygan, here's that link to the article that G52 posted on bonsaisite forums. It's a good one to bookmark!
http://www.bonsaisite.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=24581&hl=+baby++bending&fromsearch=1
I was hoping you could elaborate on this some more.... it sounds like you are not pleased with the changes and find the tree less pleasing that before.... might I ask why???
I ask not to debate but to comprehend .... I feel the tree is enhanced with its removal and would like to see it as best I can through your eyes ....
Well, I was under the impression that it died and wasn't intentionally removed (as per Groupers explanation in post 22).
That being said, I think there is now a large void on the right side of the tree. The now dead branch played an important role in filling that void, and with its loss the "rhythm" of the alternating branches is now disrupted. I don't think the jin does enough to fill this void, nor does the back branch.
Its always hard to tell from pics though. But looking at the current image, I can't help but wonder if removing the two lowest branches wouldn't improve the tree. But then there is that issue with the graft.
That is basically my humble perspective... now your turn: why do you think the removal of that branch enhances the tree?
I like the changes tooHave you got plans for the nebari? In the 4th pic of the series in your first post the roots come out at the viewer then run off to the left - like Angel said the base isn't it's 'selling' point and the jins and deadwood above play a part in not keeping the eye at the tree's base for long. I know nebari improvement can be a long process - especially in pines - I was just wondering if you had any plans for reducing these roots in future?