Literati?

willhopper

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Someone gave me a Red Roselle (Hibiscus Sabdariffa) and I had a little fun with it. Is this considered literati?
 

RobertB

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do yourself something and put harder bends in the lower trunk. Dont even worry about wiring anything above the first 10 inches
 

willhopper

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I was thinking about that. I’ve never done one before so I wasn’t sure if I should do it in stages. I did plan to bend the trunk, so I guess I will.
 

Bonsai Nut

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I don't like it. Here's why...

Literati is all about the line of the trunk. If you took the line of the trunk, and in Photoshop, just drew a black line on it... what would it say? It would look like a lazy loopy sad thing... that didn't really say anything. (I hope I am not being too harsh I am being totally open and not intending any slight or disrespect).

Instead, I would advise you to find your favorite literati tree online... and copy the line exactly. Style your tree thus, and ask - why does it work? What is it about the lines and proportions that gives it that emotional impact?

First thing I will say is that it is a rare tree in nature that grows in curves. So don't style your tree that way. Give it angles, which connotes stress and energy. Make it feel like a tree in nature that has been subjected to the elements. Think about it in your mind... and then style what you see. I have a feeling you won't see a curvy trunk (in your mind).
 

willhopper

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I don't like it. Here's why...

Literati is all about the line of the trunk. If you took the line of the trunk, and in Photoshop, just drew a black line on it... what would it say? It would look like a lazy loopy sad thing... that didn't really say anything. (I hope I am not being too harsh I am being totally open and not intending any slight or disrespect).

Instead, I would advise you to find your favorite literati tree online... and copy the line exactly. Style your tree thus, and ask - why does it work? What is it about the lines and proportions that gives it that emotional impact?

First thing I will say is that it is a rare tree in nature that grows in curves. So don't style your tree that way. Give it angles, which connotes stress and energy. Make it feel like a tree in nature that has been subjected to the elements. Think about it in your mind... and then style what you see. I have a feeling you won't see a curvy trunk (in your mind).

Thanks. I have always enjoyed and welcomed constructive criticism. I am a total noob, literally starting less than three minutes this ago, so any advice and comments are absorbed and appreciated. I will say, the title of this thread came with a question mark, as did my post, wondering if it is literati. I just experimented with wiring, bending and such,

Good to know your thoughts, it really helps.
 

willhopper

Shohin
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Cool, and I don’t even know if this species will work. It was given to me as this incredibly tall, lanky piece of material and I couldn’t imagine any other style. I will work on it.
 

JosephCooper

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Literati is unusual for trees that aren't coniferous, that doesn't mean you can't try!

Here's what I think you should shoot for!

fd78d6154359cf134ec396dd61709a06.jpg
 

sorce

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will say, the title of this thread came with a question mark, as did my post, wondering if it is literati. I just experimented with wiring, bending and such,

Good to know your thoughts, it really helps.

Careful! Your awesomeness is showing!

You're in a golden place of beginning with an open mind!

This is a wildly pretty tree!
Keep at it no matter what!

I would love to see this grown into a proper line with just a few flowers dotted at the top.

Literati? Not YET!
Just NOT YET!

Sorce
 

RobertB

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Literati is unusual for trees that aren't coniferous, that doesn't mean you can't try!

Here's what I think you should shoot for!

fd78d6154359cf134ec396dd61709a06.jpg

I really like this tree. what kind of tree is this?
 
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