Anyone have suggestions on in-depth analysis of bonsai styling?
I've found that once we are able to see past the horticultural aspects of bonsai, this art is all about, well, art. If we were oil painters, I doubt we would spend all of our time discussing how to keep our paints from drying and canvasses from withering over time. Instead, we'd actually be discussing color palettes, brush strokes, perspective - the actual development of art. And although it is essential that we discuss the horticultural aspects of bonsai, where's the art aspects?
As I start to get a feel for how to care for my trees, I'm beginning to realize I have little clue how to actually develop the artistic elements of it. And I'm really only working with deciduous trees - pines are a whole different animal. Meriggioli and others have excellent introductions to bonsai formation, but are there resources that deal with the stylistic elements in more depth (without horticulture)?
I've found that once we are able to see past the horticultural aspects of bonsai, this art is all about, well, art. If we were oil painters, I doubt we would spend all of our time discussing how to keep our paints from drying and canvasses from withering over time. Instead, we'd actually be discussing color palettes, brush strokes, perspective - the actual development of art. And although it is essential that we discuss the horticultural aspects of bonsai, where's the art aspects?
As I start to get a feel for how to care for my trees, I'm beginning to realize I have little clue how to actually develop the artistic elements of it. And I'm really only working with deciduous trees - pines are a whole different animal. Meriggioli and others have excellent introductions to bonsai formation, but are there resources that deal with the stylistic elements in more depth (without horticulture)?