Another two-fronted JBP

[Adair M]

This one is a work in progress. I just thinned it out, and gave it some wire. It’s still coarse, but it’s beginning to develop some shape.

Two possible fronts. Which do you prefer?


Oh, by the way, this particular tree appears to backbud easily, so I expect I’ll be able to develop dense branching.

Side 1:



Or side 2:



Which do you like better, and why?

 

[mwar15]

I like the second front. It looks like a fat sea monster crawling towards me. It also shows the trunk off better

 

[Mike Westervelt]

#1 for me, base looks wider, better taper, hides lack of movement.

#2 awkward roots, too open for this small of a tree.

 

[Wires_Guy_wires]

I like the second 'kraken' look as well. The first one has an obscured trunk, and since the trunk is the main feature for now, I'd show it.

 

[micahmcgrath]

Agreed. The first front has a more solid and interesting base, but the branching obscures the tree too much right now. Front 2 looks like a more developed option as it stands.

Great little tree!

 

[AndyJ]

Side 1 for me. I really like the look of the trunk here, the tree looks like it’s really anchored well. Maybe remove / reduce / reposition the front-facing branches on Side 1 slightly to open up the view of the trunk a little more? I find the roots on side 2 distracting and I’m looking at those rather than the tree itself.

 

[Wilson]

Front 1 looks like the back of a tree, can those branches move? Or are they coming straight forward? Front 2 looks like the real front, based on the photos

 

[jaco94]

I prefer # 1, the tree is more " classic " and it doesn't reveal everything, the upper part is a bit hidden and I like it.

 

[Iconoclast]

This one is a work in progress. I just thinned it out, and gave it some wire. It’s still coarse, but it’s beginning to develop some shape.

Two possible fronts. Which do you prefer?


Oh, by the way, this particular tree appears to backbud easily, so I expect I’ll be able to develop dense branching.

Side 1:

View attachment 344216

Or side 2:

View attachment 344217

Which do you like better, and why?

The never I looks better to me on #1 so that’s as far as I look. Nice tree!

 

[coachspinks]

This one is a work in progress. I just thinned it out, and gave it some wire. It’s still coarse, but it’s beginning to develop some shape.

Two possible fronts. Which do you prefer?


Oh, by the way, this particular tree appears to backbud easily, so I expect I’ll be able to develop dense branching.

Side 1:

View attachment 344216

Or side 2:

View attachment 344217

Which do you like better, and why?

Side 1 appeals to me best. Today was a perfect day for this!

 

[Adair M]

Thanks for the comments, guys! This tree is still early in its development. It used to be merely a bush!

It’s in an oversized mica pot, so even though it gets decandled, the second flush still grows fairly long needles. And those long needles obscure the view of the trunk. When it gets a proper sized pot, they’ll shorten. They’re currently 2 to 3 inches. Once they are 3/4 to 1 inch, it will look better.

 

[Ohmy222]

I like #1 by quite a bit. I think the branch covering the trunk is the draw. Sometimes showing just a little skin is just is as good. Not sure I like the lowest branch on either option. Either way you will rock it so not concerned which you pick.

 

[Leo in N E Illinois]

I like side 2, in part because there are back branches that give it depth. If you used side 1, there are a couple small low branches that would have to be removed, it would give less of a 3D feel.

As you said, this tree is young, either side can be made to work.

 

[badatusernames]

I like #1 by quite a bit. I think the branch covering the trunk is the draw. Sometimes showing just a little skin is just is as good.

I agree

 

[cmeg1]

Side 1
Needs sunk into the pot a bit to use side 2

 

[Clicio]

I like side one as long as the trunk can be seen. I guess the lower poker has to go or be bent. The kraken look is too fantasyland to my jbp taste

 

[SilverShoe99]

I like side 2. I dig the 'kraken' vibe some of the others have described, though I'm not sure I'd describe it as such. It's more unique, as opposed to "just another (excellent) Shohin JBP," and I find it more inviting. Definitely keeps my attention longer.

Maybe it's just a function of the fact that side 2 seems to have a bit of a lean towards the viewer? Side 1 is just kinda throwing branches at me.

Edited to add: I feel like there's skill shown in the trunk itself, which is partly why I prefer the second side. Why hide it?

 

[Japonicus]

Two possible fronts

I guess it depends on how you personally view the nebari as to how you decide.
Could you add a semi aerial shot of each possible front?

I like side one as long as the trunk can be seen.

Per the photos I agree. The lowest center branch obscuring the trunk would eventually be removed as well as the one to the right of it.

Why choose, why not develop both possible fronts with equality?

 

[Ryceman3]

I would go with #1.
Out of the two options, the nebari is best from this angle and I think JBPs are flexible enough and @Adair M certainly has the skills to develop the branching to suit the strongest base option.
I feel like you might get a convincing tree quicker from option #2, but I think in the long run you can make a better tree with option #1 as the front.
Just my 2 cents ...

 

[Shogun610]

Position 1 seems like it would be a “quicker” finish since the lines defining branches and the tree is cleaner. But.. I prefer position 2. You can see more depth in the pine which adds more dimension, and since there are two lower branches on the right, you could bring the lower right branch slightly lower and out , thus giving you another angle option as a front and still won’t be sticking right out at you. You have more options with apex since there appears to be a cut that is still in the process of healing over. Also, the roots at the base are not tangled together and are separated, you can lower the soil line. This could be a raised root style and gives you more options for choosing a future pot. You could go circular, square or something with an aged patina.Would look killer in a Ron Lang round pot.