Hi Ron,
The forest is looking great.
I agree with your numbers article.
Forests need to evoke the feeling of... a forest.
I've seen them with all numbers and feel the composition, the rootage, branching and the overall shape, take precedence over how many..
John Naka talked of forests for bonsai as having two views.. one with viewer inside the forest looking out .. ie. larger trees in foreground with smaller trees to the sides and back. The second being outside the forest looking in .. ie. smaller trees in the foreground and the larger trees towards the back. I believe he also stated that after 9 trees composition is the key.
I have a few forests in the workings but like the bald cypress the best..
Here's a recent shot before spring cleanup.. a couple tridents accenting..lol
peace,
tom stoute
p.s. good to see you posting again 'ere at BTALK .. a good home for bonsai people everywhere.