Of late I have found a good many thoughts and comments related in one fashion or another to the mystery that is bonsai design...
I've seen eveything from what are the artistic rules, down to what kind of pot to match to your tree. And recently having found a very helpful publication on this subect, it is needful that I share the source.
Basic Bonsai Design by David De Groot
Available at:
http://www.absbonsai.org/books/bbd.html
This booklet, it's only about 100 pages, was written by the gentleman who is the curator for the Pacific Rim Bonsai Exhibit here in Washignton. Which is very worth seeing if you can ever come out this way. The trees of a good many masters we all know and respect are in this man's hands for care.
The book covers everything from the theory behind the basic styles and how to apply them in a fashion true to their original intent, to how to select a pot based not only on the tree's size but also it's asthetic qualities (masculine vs. feminine, fall coloration, etc.).
I think one of the more valuable sections, at least for a newer learner, is how to see a peice of material at a nursery, or in the woods, and know if the potential is truely there. Several examples are given of different trees being styled after being selected for their strengths. And his teaching encourages the long view approach which is sometimes hard for a begininer to see. This publication will help you see that. I went out shopping after finishing reading it and I was suprised at how my thought process had changed.
All this and more is packed into a small book that is easy to find your way around in because it's subect matter is so specific and well organized. I obviously highly recommend it.
As I said in the title... It's a place to start. Many of us have not yet gained the experiance only time can lend, to understand these design concepts intuitively. For us who have not yet gained the eye, this is a good place to start.
Kindest Regards to All,