Observations

[ACrawl]

Since I’ve started my journey into bonsai, I’ve started to notice the shapes, resilience, and conditions of the trees around me. That’s freaking cool! On my way to the store, I notice this tree - I’ve passed the tree hundreds of times without notice. Awareness and attention is a great benefit. There are many other interesting trees out there (not always easy to grab a pic of lol).

 

[Wulfskaar]

Same here! I have several trees on my way to work that I really like. I try to take a peek any time I pass.

 

[Shibui]

Great that we are really seeing trees now.
By all means look at the odd ones. They can also give us inspiration, but also try to see general trends in species - the way branches emerge from the trunks, whether branches tend to grow straight or undulating, pointed apex or rounded crown, is dead wood a regular feature or unusual in the species, etc.

Having a grasp of the general growth habits of a species can help us make our bonsai look more natural and realistic.

 

[Michael P]

Nature informs art. Make it look like a tree, not a bonsai.

 

[Cruiser]

Observing wild trees, noticing their habits, features, and forms, is a very useful exercise.

Take these observations and elevate them. Learn and think about Why the trees look as they do. What stimuli affect them? Which growth habits/shapes result from each type of stimuli?

Once you understand this, a trees appearance can be deciphered, its life story told.

 

[AGentleman]

Hi ACrawl,
I'm new to bonsai too and your experience happened to me as well. I really love looking at trees now. I point out all the amazing trees I see when I'm with my family. They think I've gone nuts!
Now I'm going to try and see what Shibui has suggested.
Cheers,
Greg

 

[Paradox]

Yea Ive done the same, look at trees in different places.
There are a few really big old trees near me I have actually pulled off the road to look at the branching when the leaves were off

 

[ACrawl]

You all have really shined a light on what bonsai is all about. Over the last two days, I’ve noticed not only interesting shapes, but also that there are so many trees in a 3 or so mile radius that have most of their branch on one side. Given the comments here, I’m now wondering about habits and environmental influences (wind, relation to surrounding tree etc.). This has all become infinitely more enjoyable - my curiosity is heightened!