I get it. Unfortunately I picked this up at a tough time where many events have been cancelled. Still have yet to find someone local to learn from. I have someone on FB that I chat with but I haven't been in person to learn anything yet. I'm a very hands on learner do I'm looking forward to when things return to something resembling normal.
In my location I am a bonsai island. Nobody within 3 hrs has a club I’m aware of, let alone classes
or supplies. Then those that are that close, I dare say have no “masters”.
I started by picking up “malsai” and roadside pieces.
Have read terribly limited number of books yet I have few losses.
I’ve had one bonsai now at least 22 yrs. It should look better yes in that amount of time
but it’s not leggy, and is healthy. I’m just trying to say you can develop stock in a way that
either you don’t need the hands on or when you get there to hands on coaching
you can bring healthy stock that has potential, because you’ve gained experience
and kept good foliage, refined it somewhat, and developed the root system from early material.
For example, the JWP in my avatar I’ve had 15 years now and I am not confident with it, but when
I get it to an ACCLAIMED teacher, a master in my eyes because I’ve seen their years of fruits
one I trust, then I will gain confidence after multiple sessions at different times of the year.
Be reluctant to allow somebody at a club to style your tree unless it is expendable practice.
Many make great claims without backing it up.
I can honestly say I have too many projects going to give the deserved attention to most,
while I am working. For me that number started back around 20 pieces, now around 30.
Yes it’s a balancing act, but unless you have multiples it dampens your cause and effect
learning with your own hands on experience. I’m in this thread to learn about Colorado blue spruce
and whether I should take on the endeavour. Much to be learned from others that have experience.