K.A. Rutledge

Thanks for the comments and observations. Yes, Matt, in the future this tree may deserve an expensive pot. I hope to sell it before that day comes. ;-)

As to the balance and foliar weight, extending the left side would be a mistake. The reason is that with longer lower branches on the "weak" side (the side opposite to that the tree grows) is both unnatural and makes the tree look smaller and the trunk weaker. If you've questions about this, try doing a virtual and see what happens. However, I do not discount the possibility that you may illustrate your point(s) in a way I've not yet considered. That's one reason that these kinds of exercises are cool.

The tree is moving toward the right and so both the apex and the largest/longest branches need to be on that side. Actually, this tree will eventually end up being a bit more balanced as the apical structure is located a bit more central (adding a bit to the upper left) and the descending branches and their foliage made more balanced themselves. Right now the tree is a bit sparse and the branches are poorly defined.

In the future, there will be the shoot volume necessary to clearly define things rather than simply trying to create a silhouette as I've done here. Always the future with bonsai. ;-)

Kind regards,
Andy Rutledge
zone 8, Texas