I don't really understand - pads

[Neli]

I came from a place where pine is almost none existent and I too tend to style some of my broadleaf like pine now. Is it because it is easier that way? Or am I getting brainwashed by most of the (Japanese influenced) pics I see in books, online, here, etc.? Or both?

You know even pines are styled in so many different ways in japan. Not all are stairways to heaven. Just the japanese quest for precision, associated with their culture makes them look so similar...they have a common denominator.
I think both factors you mentioned influenced you a bit but what you dont realize is is that is how you feel the trees and that is your style...you do it intuitively. Dont fight it...it is OK. That is your style.

 

[october]

Rob,

Just to clarify, I have no aversion to pads. Some trees have pads where I came from (depending on how far you view them)...just no pines. They are not exclusive.

That said, I think you know what we are referring to as "pine style". The styles you enumerate are the accepted norm and as I said...are Japanese influenced. They are all great but not representative of some tree styles growing in other regions. Branch structure is different and I think is what Walter Pall has been advocating for years now.

Hi Dario,
I do know. My reply was just just general. Not directed towards anyone in particular. I just have never looked at a bonsai of any species and thought it was styled like a pine. This is one catch phrase that I wish did not exist.

Rob

 

[october]

Willow leaf ficus. Not my tree.

Rob

 

[nathanbs]

Fourteener,

what I am trying to explain is, the trees down here, function on - ramification.

Trees on our side use domes, upside down bowls, Dario should remember his home trees, think mango.

Not as stylised as a Broom [ Zelkova ] but using ramification to hold leaves on the exterior.

If you take a read on IBC, Robert Stevens, Jun and a few others from the East Indies, are trying to get local growers away from the Pine tree look.
Our trees use mounds. So the fukien tea was grown to take advantage of it carrying it's leaves on the outside.

What you cannot see without extreme 45 deg. lighting, is the dips that come with multiple mounds. Once again, a mango tree.

Here is the best I could find of a mango tree, and I have tried to enhance the mounds, with some negative space.
Best I can do presently- Apologies.
Good Day
Anthony

Its a good thing you dont live here


here


or here as I would hate for you to have to style your bonsai trees that way

 

[Neli]

I thought bonsai is an art form...and imitation has not place in art.
Art is creating something while expressing yourself.

 

[october]

Its a good thing you dont live here
View attachment 45458
View attachment 45456
here
View attachment 45457

or here as I would hate for you to have to style your bonsai trees that way
View attachment 45455

lol.. Even though all nature is beautiful in some way. These trees remind me of when people are starting out and they show something they got for $6 off the end of season sales racks. I do not mean this in a negative or postive light, just realistically. No low branches (on some), foliage at the ends of branches that are too long, no negative space etc.

I think I am starting to see here that it is having less to do with bonsai and more to do with the individual. There is a member here named Sam. I believe he lives in Haiwaii. Almost every tree he shows is styled as bonsai. Incredibly well I might add. He has beautiful trees that look like they are from Japan. For me, I want to do bonsai. That is why I started this and stayed with it for almost 16 years now.

Rob

 

[Anthony]

Neli,

you can evolve your tree to carry the best qualities of it's own kind.

You can create a unique shape, that can be borrowed from another tree type.

You can attach a tree onto dried wood and so on.

But when you show it to others and ask for an opinion, you have to have a thick skin.
That is all you will see popping up in reality or on the Internet.

For myself, this is something Khaimraj taught me a long time ago.

"Fine Art is a business and the most sincere compliment is when someone buys your effort,
the rest falls on deaf ears."

This about a finished painting or drawing.

When you apply the above type of thinking to a Bonsai, it comes out like this,

'I grew this tree for my relaxtion, and it matters not what anyone thinks because, the tree is not for exhibition or for sale.'

Only a few of his trees are ever shown on the Internet.Some are shown to make a point [ like when someone says a tree will never get x thick in a pot ] or if someone needs to be encouraged or shown where to possibly go with a tree.

The rest, are for -friends- who come by and have some tea.
Good Day
Anthony

 

[Anthony]

Nathan, Rob,

the Italians, use cypresses as singles in long trays or as groups, and they are attractive.

The pines remind me of the Appian way, and would make good Literati or High style bonsai.
They are not unattractive in any way.

There is actually a Ficus p. being grown as a high style tree down here, maybe in 5 more years, it can be shown.

You just have to know how to display them.
Good Day
Anthony

 

[nathanbs]

Nathan, Rob,

the Italians, use cypresses as singles in long trays or as groups, and they are attractive.

The pines remind me of the Appian way, and would make good Literati or High style bonsai.
They are not unattractive in any way.

There is actually a Ficus p. being grown as a high style tree down here, maybe in 5 more years, it can be shown.

You just have to know how to display them.
Good Day
Anthony

Apples and Oranges.
Sorry to be vague but for fear of insulting someone who seams quite pleasant I will keep it simple.

 

[Poink88]

Cherry (tropical), not my tree.

Rob, This looks like a ficus nerifolia to me.

 

[october]

Rob, This looks like a ficus nerifolia to me.

Actually, you are correct that it is a ficus. It is a willow leaf ficus. I will correct my post.

Rob