What would be the point of adding another tree to take the place of a branch I could just leave on? That seems redundent...

I agree with the balance issue. The branch in the photo looks much more overpowering than it does in real life. Funny how that works..
Al

Al,

Excellent how to thread, once again!

To my unexperienced eye, the height of the trees seem to distract greatly from the effect of the rock faces. Maybe this is just the camera playing tricks but the trees seem too high for the landscape.

Did you consider trees with less height and if so what ratio should one consider when making a tray such as this?

Thanks again Al for showing us the "how".

Will

The branch is a little too thick and dominant for the tree it is attached too, making the tree look off-balance with it there. Removing the branch makes the composition look unbalanced. Adding a tree "further back" would remove the balance problem with the tree without creating a new balance problem in the composition. The new tree could have the exact same branch placement, just a thinner branch. That way, neither the tree nor the composition look unbalanced. Kinda the same principle behind using two strands of small wire instead of one strand of large wire on tough branches.

Compromise.

Al,
You've got it going the right way. Good work. Is Bob Hilvers a influence on you?

Talking about the branch. You noticed how Brooks piece has almost a simalar tree layout. That was an easy edit to make after seeing his example.

Keep up the smoke and mirrors!--

Good Growth, Nut

Nut, I hope I am the influence on Bob!

Bob and I are on a little different paths right now. He is caught up with the collection at the Clark Center. I live a little far away to be much help to him there. We do work together occasionaly though.

Thanks, Al

Hi Al,
I was reading throught Bonsai Today 92 and found an article by Robert Steven about this same topic you are discussing here.

I like what you have done so far but as most other people here I do have a couple of suggestions I would like to make. I believe the shortening of the right branch would improve the composition. I can't be sure why, but it looks good.
My main issue with the composition is on the left side with the second tree from that end which curves away from the way the main trunks. I just don't like it. It takes my focus away from that main trees and the river banks. It just looks unusual and makes my eyes move in the wrong direction to how this composition moves.

I have made some minor adjustments in a few virtuals but I am unsure which I prefer the most. However they are all easier on my eyes.

Thanks for sharing your work Al.
David

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Very nice article Al! Thanks for taking the time! I was wondering if you would mind sharing your rock cutting set-up for us? Do you use a mitre saw with a diamond blade? If so how do you hold the rock while cutting? The cut rocks make such a huge difference (see my avitar, not cut). I remember someone just bolted some angle iron to a mitre saw, just wondering if you had a better method. Thanks again!!!

Newt

Hi Al...

Great work on this project! Fastanistic

One question: What did you use to actually cut the rocks. And how did you hold the rocks in place when you were cutting them?

Nick,
I just use a quick clamp or two, that allows me a hand to spray the blade with water for coolant/lubricant. I have had no trouble with kickback with the diamond blade. Good luck, wear those safty glasses, ear plugs and dust mask. Be safe!!!

Newt

These penjing scenes look so much fun. I cant wait to try.