AusBonsai

Andrew Legg wrote:Hi Paul,

I agree about the top of the tree getting a bit out of hand, but the single biggest flaw in this tree to my eye is the straight taperless section of the 2nd trunk branching out from the left. This competes with the main trunk line and distracts my eye from the fineness and "jaggedy" branching refinement. Changing that would be a ten year project, but may be worth while.

G'day Andrew,

I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts with me.

To a certain extent your assessment is spot on. However, my intent with this elm was to emulate some of the natural growth habits of the trees around me. Even though it breaks some of the rules, this particular look is not uncommon in the urban landscape here. And, as John Naka so eloquently said, "Don't make your trees look like bonsai, make your bonsai look like trees."

Andrew Legg wrote:Having said that, I think this is a stunning tree and has so much to offer me when I look at it. We can sometimes get caught up in trying to perfect our trees and not just enjoying them for what they are. I'd be more than happy to pop this tree amongst mine and just enjoy it for what it is! It is so uncontrived. Lovely.
Regards,
Andrew

Thank you for the nice compliment.

Cheers,
Paul

bodhidharma wrote:A lovely composition Paul. It is nice to see you posting trees to go with your pots All has been said regarding the tree, critique wise, and i am happy just enjoying it.

Thanks bodhi.

As you can see, I have been growing bonsai a lot longer than I have been making pots.

Have a great day.

Regards,
Paul

GavinG wrote:Very interesting tree... Lots to think about.

There are certainly issues with the four-way branching, the collision of the trunk/branches after that, the straightish bit on the left, and the different densities of the areas. But what we all respond to is the glorious grace, balance and "rightness" of the whole tree - any attempt to "correct" the "faults" will destroy what the tree has become. Sometimes as growers we have to just accept what the tree has become, and enjoy it. In a way, the "faults" contribute to the fine "natural" feel of the tree, and fixing them will possibly make something much less beautiful, and gracelessly contrived.

Just my thoughts.

Gavin

Gavin,

Well said, you made my day mate.

From my point of view, every bonsai has issues.

What it all boils down to in the end is how well does the composition work. If the composition properly conveys the feelings of the artist (including the faults) then damn the rules and full speed ahead.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

Best wishes,
Paul

kcpoole wrote:Lovely tree Paul
the first right hand branch I think could be shortened a little. There is a thin branch off its right that i would reduce it to.
the other thing will be trim back and build finer ramifiacation all over.

Ken

Hi Ken,

I appreciate you joining the discussion and sharing your thoughts with me.

I will be making some adjustments next month when the tree get re-potted. Lowering the crown a bit is one of the things that I will be addressing along with improved ramification. This is only it's second season in a bonsai pot.

Right now, the tree is being prepped to be shown this weekend at the Joy of Bonsai in Bunnell, Florida.

Cheers,
Paul

Dario wrote:Sorry Paul...I meant could we please see (if you don't nind that is), a rear, left and right view please? :tu2:Cheers, Dario.

I would be happy to accommodate your request Dario.

Please give me a couple of days to get the photos together.

Cheers,
Paul

Booga wrote:Gday Paul. All my bonsai knowledge is theory at the moment so I cant critique your tree, But a can say that from a amateur eye it looks amazing
with a nice nebari and branch structure, I like it

Thank you Booga I appreciate the compliment.

Theory is a good place to start in this art. Learn the basics and the rest will follow.

What you see posted here is the result of reading too many bonsai books.

My best advise is follow your heart.

Cheers,
Paul

I think it is stunning Paul. I am getting a real affliction for the bonsai with branches that go on forever and find your tree very pleasing.
As soon as I saw your tree I knew there would be a critic or two and after reading them I went back for another look.

I only find the suggested flaws as pleasing in a very natural movement although my eye kept coming back to the junction in the trunk where all branches come from.
I know that this is a very natural thing in nature and feel it is probably only my critical eye picking it up. But I wonder if a new branch lower down the trunk could stop my eye from going back to this point.

I would also like to see it a little lower in the pot with the finer immature roots covered for now. Maybe with a wider shallower pot the rising soil would work. Giving it the feel of a far of field.

Good luck with the show

I really like it, its has a nice slightly odd balance and slightly un traditional lower branch structure which works great. It has a very natural shape and look without looking too contived. I would love to have something like this in my collection

Bretts wrote:I think it is stunning Paul. I am getting a real affliction for the bonsai with branches that go on forever and find your tree very pleasing.
As soon as I saw your tree I knew there would be a critic or two and after reading them I went back for another look.

I only find the suggested flaws as pleasing in a very natural movement although my eye kept coming back to the junction in the trunk where all branches come from.
I know that this is a very natural thing in nature and feel it is probably only my critical eye picking it up. But I wonder if a new branch lower down the trunk could stop my eye from going back to this point.

I would also like to see it a little lower in the pot with the finer immature roots covered for now. Maybe with a wider shallower pot the rising soil would work. Giving it the feel of a far of field.

Good luck with the show

I appreciate your constructive feedback Brett.

What spot on the lower trunk would you propose for the new branch?

And yes, I agree that it is riding a bit high in the pot. This will be corrected when I re-pot next month.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Cheers.
Paul

Ryan1979b wrote:I really like it, its has a nice slightly odd balance and slightly un traditional lower branch structure which works great. It has a very natural shape and look without looking too contived. I would love to have something like this in my collection

G'day Ryan,

I appreciate the kind words very much.

You have described fairly well the intent of my design.

It's nice to know that I was successful.

Regards,
Paul

Dario wrote:I meant could we please see (if you don't mind that is), a rear, left and right view please?

Dario,

Here you go mate.
Enjoy,
Paul

Maybe something like this Paul

Thanks for the extra pics Paul
Once again, I like this very much indeed
Cheers, Dario.

Bretts wrote:Maybe something like this Paul

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Thank you for doing the virtual Brett, I like that idea very much.

Now I will need to figure out if something like this would be possible.

The addition of a branch in that location gives the tree a more pastoral look.

I had originally designed the tree to mimic a more urban environment. Around my home range, many of the mature trees been trimmed back by the home owners and all the lower limbs have been cut off as high up as they could reach.

Cheers,
Paul

Dario wrote:Thanks for the extra pics Paul
Once again, I like this very much indeed
Cheers, Dario.

Your welcome Dario.

I appreciate your input.

Have a great day.

Regards,
Paul