Point Lobos: A Coastal Cypress Bonsai Transformation

[Scriv]

In bonsai, we’re often guided by tradition. If you follow the formula and bring the branches down close to the trunk, you’ll maximize the aesthetics of your trees.

But nature creates forms that defy the bonsai convention yet remain effective and striking when utilized in miniature.

This small Bob Simon collected Pygmy Cypress is a representation of the Monterey Cypress we see overhanging the craggy cliffs along the Pacific Coast at Point Lobos.

The wind relentlessly blasts the shoreline sculpting top heavy trees that carry branches up and out instead of down and in — a reminder that beauty isn’t always found in restraint, but sometimes in the freedom to reach for something different.

Please go check out the full length, step-by-step video at the link below if you have 7 minutes to spare.

Thanks,

Kyle

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfV0wbDOUv8

 

[n8]

Nice work, Kyle.

 

[Scriv]

Nice work, Kyle.

Thank you, very much appreciate you checking it out

 

[shimbrypaku]

Agree,

You did a nice job on the tree.

 

[Scriv]

Thank you

 

[The Barber]

You know it is good when you look at a photo and honestly can't tell what size the tree is. I like the scale of this one, and the natural look of it. They don't all have to break our backs to be nice trees. Well done.

 

[Scriv]

You know it is good when you look at a photo and honestly can't tell what size the tree is. I like the scale of this one, and the natural look of it. They don't all have to break our backs to be nice trees. Well done.

Thanks man, appreciate it. I really focused on micro movement and creating acute angles in the branch structure (similar to Monterey Cypress) to make it feel bigger than it is. Nothing makes a tree feel young and small like an arching linear bend. Tree is about 15-20 inches or so from the base.

 

[vp999]

Great work man ....I fell in love with the Carmel area in the last couple years and this definitely brought me back....Thank you!

This is another one of my favorite too so get to it

 

[Scriv]

Great work man ....I fell in love with the Carmel area in the last couple years and this definitely brought me back....Thank you!

This is another one of my favorite too so get to it

View attachment 585471

Thank you!

Ahh, the old veteran! Wish I could get my hands on an old cypress like this.

 

[rockm]

Nice work on this! You got the proportions right with it.

 

[Gabler]

I love these "unconventional" trees, and I aspire to be able to pull off designs like that myself. In the meantime, I've learned that there's a good reason for the rules to exist. Rule-breaking trees are difficult to design. The fact that this tree is so effective is impressive.

 

[Scriv]

Nice work on this! You got the proportions right with it.

Thank you Rock, appreciate you

 

[Scriv]

I love these "unconventional" trees, and I aspire to be able to pull off designs like that myself. In the meantime, I've learned that there's a good reason for the rules to exist. Rule-breaking trees are difficult to design. The fact that this tree is so effective is impressive.

Thank you! Can’t just break the rules for the sake of breaking them. There has to be thematic intent or it all falls apart. And I love the bonsai form, it just wasn’t the right approach w this tree.

 

[Cajunrider]

View attachment 585454

In bonsai, we’re often guided by tradition. If you follow the formula and bring the branches down close to the trunk, you’ll maximize the aesthetics of your trees.

But nature creates forms that defy the bonsai convention yet remain effective and striking when utilized in miniature.

This small Bob Simon collected Pygmy Cypress is a representation of the Monterey Cypress we see overhanging the craggy cliffs along the Pacific Coast at Point Lobos.

The wind relentlessly blasts the shoreline sculpting top heavy trees that carry branches up and out instead of down and in — a reminder that beauty isn’t always found in restraint, but sometimes in the freedom to reach for something different.

Please go check out the full length, step-by-step video at the link below if you have 7 minutes to spare.

Thanks,

Kyle

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfV0wbDOUv8

Beautiful.

 

[PaulH]

Very nice! I can almost smell the ocean.

 

[Scriv]

Beautiful.

Thanks man

 

[Scriv]

Very nice! I can almost smell the ocean.

Thanks, Paul. Best compliment you could've given! Appreciate you checking out the video.

 

[coh]

Point Lobos is such an amazing place. Well, really that whole section of coastline from Monterey down through Big Sur is amazing and this tree brings me back to wonderful experiences exploring that coastal area. It's been too long now, over 10 years. Would love to get back. Anyway, thanks for sharing and I look forward to seeing how it evolves over time.

 

[Ruddigger]

I travel around a lot with my Sensei doing club demos and workshops and I meet a lot of bonsai enthusiasts. You can tell when someone has natural talent and an eye for design, and you have it. I could tell right away that you were going to progress quickly, I think this tree is your best yet.

Now put it in a pot and in our show.

 

[Scriv]

I travel around a lot with my Sensei doing club demos and workshops and I meet a lot of bonsai enthusiasts. You can tell when someone has natural talent and an eye for design, and you have it. I could tell right away that you were going to progress quickly, I think this tree is your best yet.

Now put it in a pot and in our show.

Thanks, Ryan. Means a lot man. Your encouragement and friendship has been a huge part of what's motivated me to take bonsai seriously. More than you know dude.

If I put it into a bonsai pot now I'll kill the damn thing! Hoping to style that big Sierra and submit before the deadline.