PaulH
Omono
Here's one from our state convention exhibit in 2012. very compact foliage pads.
Six year progression of a Sierra juniper
- Thread starter PaulH
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Here's one from our state convention exhibit in 2012. very compact foliage pads.
PaulH
Omono
Hi Paul, would you mind sharing your thoughts on the flow/direction you've chosen over say Dario's suggestion? I'd love to hear your reasoning...I'm still learning and hope you don't mind me asking
Chris
It is all about the tree's story. I believe a good bonsai tells the story of its life. First is the flow. This tree is moving from left to right and has been for a long time (in the story). The entire left side has been battered and killed by snow, ice, wind, and fire and the deadwood remains to protect the live part of the tree which can only grow away from the stresses that created the deadwood. If the live foliage is growing toward and around the deadwood it just makes the story confusing and unrealistic.
Second is the contrast. The main reason I love collected junipers is the stark contrast between dead wood and live tree. This tells the story of struggle and survival. Dario's idea diminishes this drama.
Poink88
Imperial Masterpiece
Paul, I like and respect your view.
I just see things a bit differently. Like the Phoenix, most battered trees rise from the ashes. Most juniper bonsai we see are like that...mix of death and life. Over the decades or centuries...they get hit from all around...not just one side (believe it or not).
PaulH
Omono
Paul, I like and respect your view.
I just see things a bit differently. Like the Phoenix, most battered trees rise from the ashes. Most juniper bonsai we see are like that...mix of death and life. Over the decades or centuries...they get hit from all around...not just one side (believe it or not).
Not all get hit evenly from all sides. To paraphrase the old Rod Stewart song: "Every bonsai tells a story, Baby!".
GrimLore
Bonsai Nut alumnus... we miss you
Post #21 reminds me of the Divi Divi trees in Aruba.
Grimmy
Grimmy
october
Masterpiece
[ARTICLES][/ARTICLES]
No offense, but your virt hurts my eyes..lol. I see a tree's trunk growing completely to the right and foliage to the left. Of course, you are certainly entitled to what you think. Also, you might not care what others think. However, if you ever showed the tree with that vision, it would be considered unbalanced and incongruent from a bonsai standpoint. It might mean the difference between placing and not placing. Of course, as mentioned, these are from bonsai aesthetics and nature view points.
Rob
Paul, I like and respect your view.
I just see things a bit differently. Like the Phoenix, most battered trees rise from the ashes. Most juniper bonsai we see are like that...mix of death and life. Over the decades or centuries...they get hit from all around...not just one side (believe it or not).
No offense, but your virt hurts my eyes..lol. I see a tree's trunk growing completely to the right and foliage to the left. Of course, you are certainly entitled to what you think. Also, you might not care what others think. However, if you ever showed the tree with that vision, it would be considered unbalanced and incongruent from a bonsai standpoint. It might mean the difference between placing and not placing. Of course, as mentioned, these are from bonsai aesthetics and nature view points.Rob
Poink88
Imperial Masterpiece
[ARTICLES][/ARTICLES]
Rob
None taken.
[ARTICLES][/ARTICLES]
Rob
In addition, I'm paraphrasing what I think I remember Ryan Neil saying at a workshop I attended, but what makes a juniper is the deadwood - it's not the foliage. The foliage just frames the overall image. I think it's clear that moving the foliage to the left really ruins the focus on the deadwood.
Poink88
Imperial Masterpiece
...which I think is the opposite. BUT that is only MHO.
I'm not an expert on these things, but your eye just stops with the foliage on the left. There's nowhere for it to wander. Plus, the white space is much better when the foliage moves to the right. I think growing the foliage out to the left makes sense, but I would still keep the lengthier branch on the right.
fore
Omono
Thank You Paul, that does make sense. Much appreciated.
Poink88
Imperial Masterpiece
BTW, This is what I am trying to do. A frame is around what it is framing...not outside or just in one side.
Okay I am done and out of here. Sorry if I disturbed this thread. Bye!
Vance Wood
Lord Mugo
BTW, This is what I am trying to do. A frame is around what it is framing...not outside or just in one side.
Okay I am done and out of here. Sorry if I disturbed this thread. Bye!
I don't know why you should abandon this thread?
As to the tree. Every virtual I have seen so far does not float my boat. Personally I think less is more and here follows in part what I think should be a direction for this tree.
It is my opinion that foliage pads should be developed and the main portion of the growing portion of the tree should be brought in closer to the trunk. This makes sense to me, everything else seems insipid. From this view it may even be possible to have a branch go over to the left and play peek-a-boo from behind the trunk. I can't get my photo shop to do what I want it to do.
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BTW, This is what I am trying to do. A frame is around what it is framing...not outside or just in one side.
Okay I am done and out of here. Sorry if I disturbed this thread. Bye!
I think by "framing", one doesn't necessarily mean putting a box around the trunk like a picture frame would.
If you take a step back and look at your virt, your eye starts at the deadwood goes up the trunk, then sharply comes back and down, almost in a full circle. I'm not sure that from an artistic aesthetic standpoint that you want your eye to take that movement. On top of that, it does tell a contradictory story as the tree was beaten up on the left, yet most of its growth is on that side.
Vance's virt works, though I think I prefer more foliage on both sides. The key with both versions is that the right side is heavier with foliage than the left.
PaulH
Omono
Thanks Vance. I see your point but I think I need some foliage on the left for two reasons. 1. It moves the visual center of gravity back over the pot. 2. It disguises the long, skinny neck at the top of the trunk. I think with all the foliage on the right the tree would look like a drunk swan about to take a faceplant.
I appreciate everyone's input. Its why I post my trees and these types of discussions are what I like best about this forum.
Paul
I appreciate everyone's input. Its why I post my trees and these types of discussions are what I like best about this forum.
Paul
october
Masterpiece
I think the easiest explanation works best here. The tree is a slant style with cascade characteristics. If you have a successful cascade with movement to the right. You have most of the foliage to the right and a little foliage on the left for balance. A cascade style tree growing over a cliff cascades down over the cliff, not the opposite way.
I think this tree is a masterpiece.
Rob
I think this tree is a masterpiece.
Rob
Great tree Paul! I've really enjoyed the progression on this one, and I think it's turning out awesome. The discussion on different options, and the reasons you've chosen this direction is incredibly valuable to many on this forum.
Vance Wood
Lord Mugo
That's why I mentioned the peek-a-boo left branch, it kind of creates the suggestion of a triangle without being so heavy as to create a conflicted element.
october
Masterpiece
The only thing I would change is moving the tree to the bench in my yard.
Rob
Rob
Smoke
Ignore-Amus
The only thing I would change is moving the tree to the bench in my yard.
Rob
I would need more bench....
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