Japanese White Pine Restyle

Brian Van Fleet

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Stay Tuned...
 

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Brian Van Fleet

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Here is a photo after the weekend's work...pretty clear what's done and what's left. I'm looking forward to getting back to it maybe this weekend.

Height: 28"
Width: 35"
Trunk: 5"

Cheers!
 

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buddhamonk

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I'm sorry but I can't wait that long to see what it's going to look like. Could you get to it tomorrow? :)
 
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Looks great so far. The top looks rather bushy compared to the lower three limbs. Hope in your plans is to thin it out some.
 

Brian Van Fleet

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@ Buddhamonk: I wish! This pesky job really gets in the way...

@ Tom: I'm working on getting some history. The tree belongs to the ABS collection and it's been a bonsai for quite a few years. I don't think it's a graft from the bark, but the photos kind of make it look like one.

@Mac: Thanks. Then it wasn't clear what's done and what's left? The top hasn't been touched yet, I'm eager to get back to it this weekend!

Here's a shot of the guy-wires pulling down the 2nd right branches, and pulling in the first back branch. I inserted a screw into a scar at the back of the tree to serve as an inconspicuous anchor point. As a matter of practice and since the tree will be on public display, I'm concentrating on minimizing the amount of wire that is visible, and keeping the focus on the tree rather than the wire.

More soon...
 

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Brian Van Fleet

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A little more...

After a couple hours today...the apex is still to be tamed, but I am happy with how it's coming along.

More to follow.
 

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Brian Van Fleet

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Very nice. How big is this tree?

Thanks Fred, long time, no talk! Here are the dimensions:

Height: 28" (It'll probably end up a few inches shorter)
Width: 35"
Trunk: 5"

I'll put a soda can or something next to it for scale in the next round of photos.
 

Brian Van Fleet

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One with a soda can for scale, and one from the right side. Looks like it will be next weekend before it's finished.
Enjoy!
 

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buddhamonk

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One with a soda can for scale, and one from the right side. Looks like it will be next weekend before it's finished.
Enjoy!

I think it would look better if you separated that middle pad - breaking it up so it does look like one single pad going across the middle
 

Brian Van Fleet

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I think it would look better if you separated that middle pad - breaking it up so it does look like one single pad going across the middle

Definitely, just got that part wired, and it will become the bottom "layer" of the apex. For balance, I am working to have a larger pad on the right and higher, lighter on the left. Once I finish wiring the thing I can start placing the branches.

The accent branch above the first right branch needs some help too...
 

DaveV

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I have been looking for a nice JWP to work on. Where can one find JWP ( this quality) for sale ? Is it just by chance that you stumble on one.
 

Si Nguyen

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Very nice work! Thanks for showing it! I'd love to have one of these JWP to work with. They are impossible to find. You are a lucky man Brian!
Si
 

Brian Van Fleet

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Getting Closer...

Shots from just before wiring the apex, and just after wiring the apex...losing my mojo, so I'll arrange the branches tomorrow and that should finish it off.
 

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Brian Van Fleet

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Almost there...

After arranging the crown tonight...

I think it's about there. Will tidy up the undersides of the branches and maybe make a few tweaks.
 

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Brian Van Fleet

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fin...

Overall, I'm pleased with how the tree turned out, and it's a little more open, so hopefully some good light and air movement, along with the light pruning will encourage a little growth on the inside.

I think the design is visually a little wide for the thickness of the trunk (5"), but the profile is good and the pads seem to accentuate the movement in the trunk. Here is the Before and After...

It's been a great project and most likely, I'll be doing another one this winter.

Thanks for the comments!
 

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