Movin' on Up !!!

[A Random User]

Purging...Thanks!

 

[sorce]

I like it because most of the time I see angle changes, folks leave lines parallel to the future pot rim, or other things get overlooked due to the excitement of the new angle.

This seems well thought out.

A little wind rocked but stable.

Sorce

 

[jk_lewis]

Doesn't help. Sorry.

 

[Poink88]

I love the deadwood work but between the two...I still prefer the original angle.

 

[lordy]

I think the shari on the back of the trunk definitely needs to be the front. I also dont understand why, with hours of discussion on v-notching, why you havent done it to that awkward top branch, or is it the apex? Seems to me to be a perfect candidate for that technique. That's extreme enough for this tree, I think. Then you wouldnt need to change the planting angle just because the design was lacking direction. Many of the extreme planting angles seen are due to an undulating trunk, not one that is straight as an arrow. I think this is screaming for an old weather-beaten upright, just with attention the the top. BTW, I think all the jins on the original view were less than complimentary as they were, but still a good feature with refinement.
I suck at virts, and dont know how to show the notched branch at a lower angle, so I removed it from the top just to show another idea.

 

[coh]

Interesting. Like the others who have already posted, my initial reaction to the new planting angle is not favorable. I think the angle is way too severe. Such a large, straight tree would most likely either be leaning much less, or would fall all the way over if it got to this point. But you have the vision, and I don't...so I'll be looking forward to see if you can make it work.

 

[Vin]

One thing for sure, as the tree sits in the first picture it isn't very exciting. Kind of like most of my trees for the moment. I'm sure you tried it but if you take the second photo and turn it 90 degrees left the tree then tilts left. The stump that comes out of the soil points straight up. If you are able to then bring the branches down parallel to the ground and forward it makes for a nice image. But, I'm sure you tried it and it's just my (Mr. Nobody) view when I seen it (not that yours isn't a pleasant change either).

 

[Vin]

Awesome !!! I am batting one to four !!!
That's better than Vegas odds...

You said coin flipping was allowed in bonsai

 

[Vin]

Your view is good... Biggest problem with this tree is that the main
branches are over an inch thick, so no easy bending.

Thanks! This is the same issue I have with my Sea Green. The branches I want to keep are over 2 inches thick and straight as an arrow. Although, my plan calls for at least 5 years of development in the end I'm still going to be confronted with the same issue. The answer just hasn't hit me yet. I was hoping your "V" Notching Series would help and it does with some of my other material but not the Sea Green.

 

[Eric Group]

I like the trunk at the new angle- more movement more excitement... You do need to work on getting the foliage where you can see it though! Perhaps something between the two could accomplish both goals of getting more movement and seeing more deadwood without completely hiding all the foliage and putting it all behind the tree? Obviously we cannot see that from a 2d pic, just an idea!

 

[october]

I like both the original and the new angle. With the new angle though, the apex branch appears to be growing back. However, it probably could be brought forward a bit and then left to grow.

The concept that I like the most is lordy's virt. I used lordy's concept and tried to show what the tree could look like in 2 growing seasons. You would need to remove the top that goes to the right. I think that this might be the most natural image for the tree. Also, normally you don't see junipers in this style. Since you like uniqueness, I would imagine that this image might appeal to you.

Rob

 

[october]

These new pics show an entirely different image. After seeing these new pics, I think this image is the best. When the foliage grows out and forms a relationship with the deadwood, you are really going to have a beautiful, powerful and natural composition. Very nice!

Rob

 

[october]

When I first saw the these new pics, I briefly thought that the little apex should be removed. However, after looking at it for a bit, I realized that not only should the apex stay, but developed for exactly the reasons you suggested. We seem to be in agreeance on all decisions regarding this tree. I just hope when it is time to repot, the tree's root ball agrees with whatever size pot you are going to put it in.

Rob

 

[Poink88]

These new pics show an entirely different image. After seeing these new pics, I think this image is the best. When the foliage grows out and forms a relationship with the deadwood, you are really going to have a beautiful, powerful and natural composition. Very nice!

Rob

I agree. Good job and vision!

 

[Vin]

You should start a thread and post some pics up of it and maybe some
folks here could give you some good advice !!! Or... maybe not... it is
kinda like that coin toss thing !!! But, 2 heads are better than one, and
more than likely someone will see something you didn't and give you
more ideas and options on how to move forward.

I agree, lots of good advice on this site.
However, I don't think it's ready for posting
yet. I was going to get it a little more compact
and in a smaller pot before I posted it (if it
survives a repot). But here it is if anyone wants
to comment:
http://imgur.com/a/qoZbN

 

[Vin]

A stacked stone look would be really cool. Maybe like something found in the Rockies? Like these:

 

[Vin]

I lived in Denver and in Albuquerque for a short while and been through the four corners a number of times. It's amazing the changes in the mountain landscape the further north you travel from Albuquerque. The Rockies are a great place to draw inspiration from for sure. If I had a choice, that's where I would be living.

 

[Bonsai Nut]

Been busy with the site lately, so haven't had much time to comment on the tree threads

It is easy to say in retrospect, but I think the decision to change the planting angle is the right one. This tree has a very straight trunk. The deadwood helps add interest, but cannot change the fact that the trunk is straight and cannot be bent. So you have to ask yourself if this tree would make a good formal upright style? If not - you have to change the angle because otherwise with every other design you will always be fighting the straight trunk.

Not so sure about the slab, because slabs to me are forests and connote flatness and fields. I personally would go with a medium/low oval with a very rough finish. Though not required, this is one case where a rock in the pot might make sense (to me). Otherwise you might want to plant it high in the pot - like in a mound. I agree crescent is the wrong choice for a tree with such a strong line.

 

[barrosinc]

that looks good.

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

I kind of like it, but not sure how to reconcile the whole trunk thrusting right, while the foliage is blowing back to the left on the top side, and cascading out to the right on the bottom.

The carving and scale are very good, and you're on the right track, just might want to consider a consistent line of movement, unless you're going for a feel like this...