Ulmus parvafolia

[pjkatich]

Very beautiful bonsai Paul! Thanks for sharing it.

But it is beautiful partly because it does follow the rule. But this rule is a "natural" one. Like Walter Pall said, this is a very "naturalistic" design. The rule that I learned somewhere is that the angle of the branches as they come off of the trunk should be greater than 90 degree on deciduous trees. In other words, the branches should lift upward a little bit as it comes out of the trunk, and then it could either keep going upward or droop downward. On conifers, this angle should be less than 90 degree. This angle is a major distinction between conifer and deciduous trees. Here's a sketch of this rule. I call it a rule but it is not really a rule. Just an observation of how most trees are in nature. Just a little angle. Sometimes a tree or a bonsai works best when it looks naturalistic, and sometime it's not. This one works.

Hello Si,

Your thoughts and insight are always welcome.

I have admired the elm bonsai that you have posted here on the forum so your compliment means a lot.

I appreciate you including the sketch. This is a good reference point for anyone that is actively developing bonsai. In most cases, it is important to follow this guideline to create a convincing bonsai tree.

Regards,
Paul

 

[pjkatich]

Here are a few more photos of this tree.


Viewed from the front


Viewed from the right side


Viewed from the back


Viewed from the left side


Viewed from the top

Enjoy,
Paul

 

[tmmason10]

That top view is awesome. Did you usually wire or clip and grow for this?

 

[monza]

Cool tree thanks for posting. On the above view, 'viewed from the right side' did you create the Shari or did it occur naturally?

 

[cmeg1]

That is quite the accomplishment,grown from seed.Great tree!

 

[cmeg1]

that is great how it leans to the front like that.Real nice.

 

[edprocoat]

With that round pot and beautiful tree there really is no need to choose a "front" side, its sharp from all angles. Great tree!

ed

 

[pjkatich]

That top view is awesome. Did you usually wire or clip and grow for this?

Actually Tom, I have used a little bit of everything on this tree.

For the most part, development was achieved mostly with clip and grow.

In addition, I used guide wires on a regular basis to set many of the branch locations.

The the last few years, I have used wire on the finer branches to help fill in the canopy.

Regards,
Paul

 

[pjkatich]

Cool tree thanks for posting. On the above view, 'viewed from the right side' did you create the Shari or did it occur naturally?

Earlier in the thread, I gave a brief history of this trees development.

The shari was the result of a branch that died back many years ago. I never did figure out what caused the die back. Most likely it was operator error of some sort.

In that same view, you should be able to pick out the mark left by the errant football too.

Regards,
Paul

 

[pjkatich]

That is quite the accomplishment,grown from seed.Great tree!

Thank you, I appreciate the compliment.

that is great how it leans to the front like that.Real nice.

In most cases, the apex of your tree should lean toward the viewer. This helps create depth in your composition and is one of those "rules" that really should not be broken.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Cheers,
Paul

 

[pjkatich]

With that round pot and beautiful tree there really is no need to choose a "front" side, its sharp from all angles. Great tree!

Hello Ed,

Thank you for the positive feedback.

In regards to the pot, it is actually an oval.

When designing an oval pot, I like to use a 75-80% width to length ratio. I have found that this ratio works well for both the aesthetic and the horticultural requirements of the composition.

Regards,
Paul

 

[JudyB]

I've been catching up on reading posts, and wanted to tell you how much I appreciate this tree.

These are the trees I most admire, ones that actually look like a tree, that things have happened to in nature. I do not understand why rules would ever make someone hesitate to see the beauty in this tree. I actually don't understand why the rules seem to stymie bonsai practice at all... But they seem to limit what people feel they can create, and I think that's where they are detrimental to bonsai as a whole. I wish that the trees could do the talking instead of a set of guidelines that were probably never meant to be so confining.

Anyway Paul, I think it's wonderful, and your pots are super nice.

 

[mat]

I saw Paul's tree at Kawa Bonsai's show this afternoon, and I have to say that it looks even better in person. I guess that's true of most trees, but this one in particular looked great in 3-dimensions. I guess I wasn't the only one to think so judging by the ribbon and trophy sitting next to it. Congratulations on the well-deserved awards, Paul.

 

[Dan W.]

In regards to breaking the rules, I really did not give it much thought. I worked with what this elm and circumstances gave me. I studied the growth habits of my local trees and tried to work what I saw into the design as much as possible. Again, mother nature is the best instructor anyone can have.

It's funny how we get stuck on rules so often. I have watched and listened to many different guitarists as I have pursued learning to play... One can tell a huge difference between the musicians who try to fit music into their rules or mathematical equations and those who let the music inspire and lead them. There is a rhythm and soul to music that isn't forced, just as in any art-form there is a rhythm and soul to works that are not forced into our preconceived ideas of what something "should" be. Art leads us, just as we work toward our visions. (I have asked many great guitarists about their technique or style; they respond with an odd face, and reply: "I just play...?")

On that note I would say that there are both Artists and Technicians; both can create works that are beautiful and realistic,... but I would argue that only one (usually) truly touches the soul... only one moves you.

Thanks Paul, your tree has soul. And this tree/composition has obviously moved many of us. Thanks for sharing it with us, and thanks also for sharing the background of its formation.

Great work!
Dan

 

[pjkatich]

I've been catching up on reading posts, and wanted to tell you how much I appreciate this tree.

These are the trees I most admire, ones that actually look like a tree, that things have happened to in nature. I do not understand why rules would ever make someone hesitate to see the beauty in this tree. I actually don't understand why the rules seem to stymie bonsai practice at all... But they seem to limit what people feel they can create, and I think that's where they are detrimental to bonsai as a whole. I wish that the trees could do the talking instead of a set of guidelines that were probably never meant to be so confining.

Anyway Paul, I think it's wonderful, and your pots are super nice.

Hello Judy,

You have brought up some interesting points and I believe it all boils down to personal perspective.

Bonsai does not mean the same thing to every individual. Some people like the comfort of working within a well defined set of boundaries. For these individuals, the path they travel is safe, well marked, and the destination is always in sight.

For others, it's more about exploring what's outside those well marked boundaries. It's about taking the road less traveled and finding out what is around the next bend. The destination for them is not always certain. However, the journey can be a lot more interesting.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and I appreciate the compliments.

Regards,
Paul

 

[pjkatich]

I saw Paul's tree at Kawa Bonsai's show this afternoon, and I have to say that it looks even better in person. I guess that's true of most trees, but this one in particular looked great in 3-dimensions. I guess I wasn't the only one to think so judging by the ribbon and trophy sitting next to it. Congratulations on the well-deserved awards, Paul.

Thanks for all the kind words Mat.

I'm glad you were able to make the show and I appreciate you stopping by my booth and talking shop with me for a while.

I hope to see you again in May.

Cheers,
Paul

 

[pjkatich]

It's funny how we get stuck on rules so often. I have watched and listened to many different guitarists as I have pursued learning to play... One can tell a huge difference between the musicians who try to fit music into their rules or mathematical equations and those who let the music inspire and lead them. There is a rhythm and soul to music that isn't forced, just as in any art-form there is a rhythm and soul to works that are not forced into our preconceived ideas of what something "should" be. Art leads us, just as we work toward our visions. (I have asked many great guitarists about their technique or style; they respond with an odd face, and reply: "I just play...?")

On that note I would say that there are both Artists and Technicians; both can create works that are beautiful and realistic,... but I would argue that only one (usually) truly touches the soul... only one moves you.

Thanks Paul, your tree has soul. And this tree/composition has obviously moved many of us. Thanks for sharing it with us, and thanks also for sharing the background of its formation.

Great work!
Dan

Hi Dan,

Your analogy is nicely stated and spot on.

But it's important to keep in mind that we need both artists and technicians. It's been my experience that sometimes it's the technician that creates a situation that allows the artist to excel.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me.

Regards,
Paul

 

[Walter Pall]

I've been catching up on reading posts, and wanted to tell you how much I appreciate this tree.

These are the trees I most admire, ones that actually look like a tree, that things have happened to in nature. I do not understand why rules would ever make someone hesitate to see the beauty in this tree. I actually don't understand why the rules seem to stymie bonsai practice at all... But they seem to limit what people feel they can create, and I think that's where they are detrimental to bonsai as a whole. I wish that the trees could do the talking instead of a set of guidelines that were probably never meant to be so confining.

Anyway Paul, I think it's wonderful, and your pots are super nice.

Judy,

you have made my day! My preaching since fifteen years.

 

[Dan W.]

But it's important to keep in mind that we need both artists and technicians. It's been my experience that sometimes it's the technician that creates a situation that allows the artist to excel.

Hi Paul,

I agree, we certainly need both individuals. We often need a measure of both to create something amazing. And as you pointed out: it's often the technician who teaches the artist the technique or "creates a situation that allows the artist to excel."

Thanks for responding and for sharing your experience. I learn a great deal from simply reading many of the posts here.

Dan

 

[Dan W.]

Bonsai does not mean the same thing to every individual. Some people like the comfort of working within a well defined set of boundaries. For these individuals, the path they travel is safe, well marked, and the destination is always in sight.

For others, it's more about exploring what's outside those well marked boundaries. It's about taking the road less traveled and finding out what is around the next bend. The destination for them is not always certain. However, the journey can be a lot more interesting.

Well said! Thanks Paul.

Judy, I also agree that when a Bonsai truly looks like a tree in nature it looks best.

Dan