Mr. Al,
I would like to say thanks for a great bonsai history lesson...Much of this information I was already aware of, but you have filled in many empty spaces...Thanks also for the photo examples...Even though they are only potensai when judged by 'Japanese Standards', I would be honored to have any of them represent my collection in the current state...
I do not place as high a preference on following the 'Artistic Guidelines of the Japanese', as do you, and several other bonsai enthusiast throughout the world...I have the utmost respect for that way of thinking, since I also had that same mentality at one time in my life, but after my observations of the responses of many viewers at the various bonsai displays I have attended over the years, I have come to the conclusion for myself, that not everyone who views a bonsai tree judges it by the same standards...
I will probably never have a tree that will place high in a 'judged contest', but that is fine with me...I enjoy them, and I also enjoy seeing others appreciate the trees...I also find I have a lot more fun now seeing the trees of others, if I do not spend my time deciding what is 'wrong' with the tree...I will leave that part to those like yourself that do it so well...
I do thank you for the wonderful how-to's, photos, ideas, techniques, critiques, and, other thoughts, you so freely share with this forum...Please keep it coming our way...I am sure I am not the only one that appreciates your contributions...
Regards
Behr
