360 VIEW: Tree Critique (tree no. 1)

bonsaial1

Over the course of a few threads I will post some trees that I feel have some pretty unique views other than the front. It will be up to the forum to decide whether they are good views, better views, views that could use addtional work, or views that help reinforce the primary view. I have come up with a nice mixture of plants to make this interesting, and hope that there are those that will participate.

Make no mistake, I am confident enough in my ability that nothing will hurt my feelings here. These trees are all in training, but some have had the addtional element of time to help smooth out the rough edges. Something that was eluded to in the prevoius long thread.

All photos are arranged with the front first, followed by right side, back, left side. All photo's are shown at these four corners. I feel that in this type of critique based on a 360 degree view, that these four corners are the only ones that matter. All addtional views will only distort further the image trying to be conveyed.

My reasoning in introducing this exercise is to show that if following proper bonsai techniques, and plant husbandry, that the good views will introduce themselves over time. This is not something that should be forced upon a plant and may only serve to make it look contrived rather than natural.

The first plant up for review is a Shohin Trident Maple. The tree is 9" tall and has a two inch thick trunk. The taper is nice and the trunk flares at the bottom into a nice oil spill nebari that I have been working on. The flare seems to show nice from all angles. Tree is 27 years old and has been in training for 6 years. The tree was 19" tall when I bought it.

Comments?

Attached Images

	DSCF0138.JPG (31.8 KB, 72 views)
	DSCF0139.JPG (28.7 KB, 48 views)
	DSCF0140.JPG (31.9 KB, 45 views)
	DSCF0141.JPG (29.1 KB, 40 views)

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Eddie1979

I'm not sure I like the baby blue pot, but thats just a personal opinion.

EarthgirlOK

This tree does have interest from all angles. I think the third pic (the back?) has lots of ptential. I like the branches showing through the foliage, but this isn't based on any real knowledge of bonsai critique. I just like it. I like the root movement from the last pic (left?) because it's interesting, but it doesn't work as a front because they look "tucked in." Still interesting, though.

Maybe a tree that looks good from all angles is just a good tree.

Makes me think of beadwork. I do alot of beadwork. When your beadwork is being judged, it is not unusual for the judges to look at the back, at your stitches. Even though no one EVER sees this, the pro's know that if the back is neat and orderly, the work is sound.

The way I relate this to bonsai and other art is; just because something you do might not be seen, it's not a reason to be sloppy. Sooo, if you follow this logic, of course a tree might look good from multiple angles. Just my thought right now-I need to go to bed. I'll check out the other critiques tomorrow.
Michelle

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