Tree of the Day - Wednesday, April 13, 2005

TreeBay

This forum is an experiment that has evolved out of some of the activities on the bonsaischool program.

I'm going to select a bonsai each day to spark group discussion.

• Trees of the day don't belong to anyone you're likely to know, so there is very little chance that you're going to hurt anyone's feelings with your honest opinions, critique and suggestions. This is key.
• However, if you recognize the tree, please keep it to yourself until at least the next day.
• If you have a tree-of-the-day you'd like to submit, you can start a new thread (not a new post) in this forum. It won't appear immediately.

Some questions to ask about the tree of the day

1. What are the tree's strengths?
2. What are its weaknesses?
3. How could the tree be improved?
4. Does the tree have a message you could define in words?
5. How would you arrange the tree with other elements to create an interesting two or three-point display?

You can respond right here.

THIS SPACE FOR RENT - This area used to contain a request for TOD material. However, after month of TODs, we never received a tree for review by this cadre of reviewers!


ABOUT TODAY'S TREE: Today's tree is a Japanese Maple. You can make notes with the pencil tool underneath the attachment.

Attached Images

TOD_13APR2005.jpg (57.5 KB, 265 views)

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Arnie

i'm not so keen on Maples in this style. Personally I prefer to see some light and seperation between pads while maintaining the shape.

Seems to me that this full domed broom style is owned by Elms.....I'd look at opening things up a bit, but there again this kind of tree just isn't my bag.

Ian_Homer

Arnie,

Everyone to their own. I can understand your views, but at the same time it is always nice to have some full canopy trees in your collection. Once they are at this stage, there is not much "artistic" talent in keeping them this way, which is maybe your point. It's getting them to this stage and keeping them healthy which is the challenge.

This is very nice tree.

Not much to do with it really. The shape is a little taller than a traditional broom, so is perhaps more naturalistic looking. The pot is a great compliment in a nice soft tone and is spot on in my mind with regard to size and depth. The only thing that spoils the whole composition (and this is being VERY picky from a potters view point) the "feet" glare out at you. If these were oxided (or even painted now ) then they would just dissapear.

Great Photography, and a tree I would have in my collection. ( I have two as it is ) !

Ian.

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Bart Thomas(deceased)

Ian's point about the pot's feet is well-taken. I note this contrast on many exhibition-grade tokoname pots, and have wondered about why this seems to be desired.

Is it one of those things where the contrast gets toned down with age and adds to the desirability of the pot?

Ian_Homer

Bart,

Thanks, glad you agree. Perhaps we should spin-off into another thread.
You do not want the pot to be "floating" in mid air, but that said, I think this compositiion is spoilt by how harsh the feet are. If they were a shade of Grey, then that would be very nice .

All,
If you feel strongly on this, then please start another thread and not "fill-up" the "TOTD" with this topic.

Thanks,
Ian.

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John Dixon

Quite frankly, I like maples in this style. This bonsai is off to a good start and looks like it has been care for well.

My initial thought was that the branch junction with the trunk should be more visible. The large number of branches coming from the trunk give the feeling of maturity, while the foliage covering the area just eludes to vigor. With a little opening up, both attributes can be used and admired. I would also suggest pinching back slightly on the left and expanding to the right a couple of inches (see lines). The apex needs to shift slightly (see arrow) and should keep a rounded appearance. The root drawn over in red is distracting and has an unfinished look. It either needs to be manipulated "away" from the viewer and pinned down, or removed. Some gradual exposure of nebari will greatly add to this bonsai's pedigree.

Very nice tree. With some tweaking, it will be outstanding.

John

P.S. I like the pot and placement, but ambivalent about the pot's feet. Ian makes a great observation. I'll leave it there.

Attached Images

1113391317_image.jpg (73.1 KB, 51 views)

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John Dixon

Si vis pacem parabellum

Stay off the trails of others, that's where the booby-traps are.

Deacon Jim

Shave a little off the left or grow out the right a little to get better balance. Move that root to the right if it's needed, or cut it off. Clean up the base with a wire brush (the tree may have been watered and is causing the dark area). Put a nice top dressing of soil; perhaps a dark gray. Very nice broom with a little clean up.

I don't mind the feet. As mentioned already, they will mature with age. I think a nice job was done with the color of the stand matching the feet while they are at this stage.

Ian_Homer

Deacon Jim,

Now you mention it, yes the feet compliment the stand, but IS IT THIS PLATE that is too powerful

I find my eye is caught by the "brightness" at the bottom of the picture - which detracts away from the presentation of the tree. (IMO).

Ian.

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Deacon Jim

Ian,
>"I find my eye is caught by the "brightness" at the bottom of the picture"

And my eye is not. I find this topic very intriguing so let me drone on a little.

Example: I am remodeling a 1970 home. I removed the heavy oak railing, brown carpet, and dark stained paneling from a three level space. I replaced it with white maple floors, polished steel railing, and white painted walls. I put colorful artwork on the walls and bookshelves (also painted white) for the splashes of color and interest. Some people love it; most ask me what color I am going to paint the walls.

I admire Al's stands for the craftsmanship and artistic design. I don't like the dark stain. I will never own a dark stained stand.... I will never put a pagoda in my bonsai garden. I am American contemporary with European influences.

All of our 'bonsai' eyes are trained to see trees on top of dark stands. I personally like how artwork shows off against light colors. This set-up broke some traditions. I like it.

Deacon