root over rock trident

Post your bonsai for critique by members. Virtual designs and restyles are encouraged.
shibui
Aussie Bonsai Fan
Aussie Bonsai Fan
Posts: 7653
Joined: August 22nd, 2009, 8:41 pm
Favorite Species: trident maple
Bonsai Age: 41
Bonsai Club: Albury/Wodonga; BSV; Canberra; VNBC
Location: Yackandandah
Has thanked: 65 times
Been thanked: 1399 times
Contact:

root over rock trident

Post by shibui »

I've picked this one out as a tree with some potential however now I find it has too much potential 8-)
Looks good from 2 sides and has 2 options from each side so that's 4 really good options that I can see.
I know it is difficult to style a tree from 2D photos but have a look and see what you'd prefer.
ror trident options 2016 6 7.JPG
1. use the front trunk - gentle flowing lines
2. remove the front trunk and use the rear one to swing the trunk away to the rear then back toward the front with the smaller shoot halfway up the rear trunk - more dynamic with more depth. Probably a slightly shorter tree.
ror trident options 2016 6 3.JPG
1. use the thicker trunk to keep the tree closer to the rock - more upright spreading canopy
2. remove the thicker trunk and use the smaller one to take the trunk further away them more sharply back toward the rock - more dynamic trunkline and probably shorter canopy.

Here's a shot from the side to try to give you some idea which way the trunks move.
ror trident options 2016 6 5.JPG
If you can see some other potential here let us know that as well.
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
http://shibuibonsai.com.au/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Isitangus
Aussie Bonsai Fan
Aussie Bonsai Fan
Posts: 915
Joined: May 7th, 2012, 9:18 pm
Favorite Species: Figs & anything flowering or unusual
Bonsai Age: 1
Bonsai Club: campbelltown Bonsai club
Location: camden area, NSW

Re: root over rock trident

Post by Isitangus »

What about keeping two trunks, the first would be the lowest and starting to angle down, then keeping the second growing up and back into the Rock. Like a semi cascade. It would look like a tree that has fallen away and clinging for life?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
User avatar
Thymetraveller
Aussie Bonsai Fan
Aussie Bonsai Fan
Posts: 297
Joined: November 14th, 2015, 2:43 pm
Favorite Species: Trees!
Bonsai Age: 6
Location: Hornsby NSW
Been thanked: 2 times
Contact:

Re: root over rock trident

Post by Thymetraveller »

I like view 2, with the thicker trunk. It has dignity, :imo:. Almost like the figurehead on a ship.
I also like the simplicity of the roots on that side.
Bloody nice tree, whichever way you cut it!!!
User avatar
Theodore
Aussie Bonsai Fan
Aussie Bonsai Fan
Posts: 268
Joined: November 28th, 2015, 10:12 am
Favorite Species: Larch
Bonsai Age: 24
Bonsai Club: Albury Wodonga Bonsai Society
Location: Wodonga
Has thanked: 3 times
Been thanked: 2 times

Re: root over rock trident

Post by Theodore »

Shibui

Side 2 - Option 1 for me. Simpler, and more dynamic.

Whichever you select, I'd almost bet that at some time in the future, the front of this tree will change.....probably multiple times.

Theo
CraigM
Aussie Bonsai Fan
Aussie Bonsai Fan
Posts: 343
Joined: February 25th, 2014, 10:23 pm
Bonsai Age: 20
Bonsai Club: Waverley, Vic Native and BSV
Location: Melbourne
Been thanked: 1 time

Re: root over rock trident

Post by CraigM »

Like view1, both good though. Think I would keep the front trunk, is thinner than the rear but like the way it sweeps forward off the Rock and back to the viewer.
shibui
Aussie Bonsai Fan
Aussie Bonsai Fan
Posts: 7653
Joined: August 22nd, 2009, 8:41 pm
Favorite Species: trident maple
Bonsai Age: 41
Bonsai Club: Albury/Wodonga; BSV; Canberra; VNBC
Location: Yackandandah
Has thanked: 65 times
Been thanked: 1399 times
Contact:

Re: root over rock trident

Post by shibui »

Bloody nice tree, whichever way you cut it!!!
That's one of the points I'm hoping to make with this thread TT. I have often procrastinated because I couldn't decide which option would produce the best tree. I have now learnt that if you have such a dilemma it means that both (all) options are equally good so it does not really matter which one you choose. Toss a coin if you like but try to make a decision. Leaving all options 'just in case' means the tree is not progressing or improving.
Look at all the possibilities then make a choice and get on with making a better bonsai.
Also, never look back or 'what if?' - there's no future in looking back.
http://shibuibonsai.com.au/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
GavinG
Aussie Bonsai Fan
Aussie Bonsai Fan
Posts: 2213
Joined: April 26th, 2010, 11:47 pm
Favorite Species: Maple
Bonsai Age: 0
Bonsai Club: CBS
Location: Canberra
Has thanked: 456 times
Been thanked: 228 times

Re: root over rock trident

Post by GavinG »

OK, I'll bite.

First, looking back can often stop you stuffing up the same way twice. I've often proved the opposite. But you are right - if you can't decide between two good choices, then each will be good. Although sometimes it just means you need to look harder.

My choice is side one, option two. To me, the first side of the trunk is more graceful - in the second side, it's too easy to see the contours of the repeated cuts. Also the roots in side one curve downwards a little more gracefully.

The front trunk of side one is only slightly curved - graceful but a bit limp. I'd go for the rear trunk (option 2) which has a stronger line. You might need to fatten it a bit to make the taper less abrupt.

I have to say that the roots grip the rock very tightly indeed, and can only get better with time. It's been well-grown.

Thanks for posting - seeing the process of how to make decisions is really useful.

Gavin
User avatar
Thymetraveller
Aussie Bonsai Fan
Aussie Bonsai Fan
Posts: 297
Joined: November 14th, 2015, 2:43 pm
Favorite Species: Trees!
Bonsai Age: 6
Location: Hornsby NSW
Been thanked: 2 times
Contact:

Re: root over rock trident

Post by Thymetraveller »

Much truth there, Shibui.
Luckily, I have had a few such dilemas solved by ugly cracking noises during early (and clumsy) wiring attempts.
That's when never looking back really comes in handy :D
Great thread :tu:
User avatar
Pearcy001
Aussie Bonsai Fan
Aussie Bonsai Fan
Posts: 1307
Joined: February 8th, 2015, 7:23 pm
Favorite Species: Natives and Exotics
Bonsai Age: 0
Location: Yarraville, VIC
Been thanked: 81 times

Re: root over rock trident

Post by Pearcy001 »

Either say you cut it it's a fine looking tree, and I see you kept this one hidden from me yesterday! :Shifty:

I think Gavin is right in the more graceful movement of the trunk, but I just love how tight those roots look like they are holding on for dear life from side 2.

Decisions decisions. If only you could grow an exact replica (or 3) and do each option.

Good luck with the decision. At least you know either way it will turn out well.

What is the size of the tree or rock? 300mm pot?

Cheers,
Pearcy.

Sent from my SM-G920I using Tapatalk
Last edited by Pearcy001 on June 13th, 2016, 10:46 pm, edited 2 times in total.
User avatar
wrcmad
Aussie Bonsai Fan
Aussie Bonsai Fan
Posts: 545
Joined: April 25th, 2014, 10:57 pm
Favorite Species: Maple, Pine, Fig
Bonsai Age: 34
Location: Northern NSW
Has thanked: 132 times
Been thanked: 74 times

Re: root over rock trident

Post by wrcmad »

Side 1, option 2. :)
tgward
Aussie Bonsai Fan
Aussie Bonsai Fan
Posts: 476
Joined: June 15th, 2015, 6:23 pm
Bonsai Age: 31
Location: Winkie
Has thanked: 2 times
Been thanked: 44 times

Re: root over rock trident

Post by tgward »

the rock with less roots is more interesting
User avatar
Lane
Aussie Bonsai Fan
Aussie Bonsai Fan
Posts: 323
Joined: November 2nd, 2015, 12:14 pm
Favorite Species: Undecided....
Bonsai Age: 3
Bonsai Club: School of Bonsai
Location: Sydney
Been thanked: 1 time

Re: root over rock trident

Post by Lane »

Side 2 option 1 gets my vote.
User avatar
kcpoole
Perpetual Learner
Perpetual Learner
Posts: 12272
Joined: November 12th, 2008, 4:02 pm
Favorite Species: Maple
Bonsai Age: 15
Bonsai Club: the School Of Bonsai
Location: Western Sydney, NSW, Australia
Has thanked: 17 times
Been thanked: 84 times
Contact:

Re: root over rock trident

Post by kcpoole »

Side 1 gor me. The other side the tree looks too stressed trying to hang on

Ken

Sent from my SM-G800Y using Tapatalk
Check out our Wiki for awesome bonsai information www.ausbonsai.com.au/wiki
What is Bonsai? http://www.ausbonsai.com.au/wiki/index.php?title=Bonsai
What should I do now? http://www.ausbonsai.com.au/wiki/index.php?title=Newbie
How do I grow a Bonsai? http://www.ausbonsai.com.au/wiki/index. ... _a_Bonsai?
Visit a Bonsai nursery to see some real nice trees http://www.ausbonsai.com.au/wiki/index. ... _Nurseries
matlea
Aussie Bonsai Fan
Aussie Bonsai Fan
Posts: 563
Joined: July 24th, 2011, 4:15 pm
Bonsai Age: 0
Location: sydney
Been thanked: 32 times

Re: root over rock trident

Post by matlea »

Side 1 looks good to me as it appears more stable and has some depth due to the root at the back. Minus the very tooth in root. Also think option 2 for the trunk could result in more depth/ movement. Either way nice tree!
anthonyW
Aussie Bonsai Fan
Aussie Bonsai Fan
Posts: 889
Joined: May 19th, 2011, 1:35 pm
Favorite Species: Figs,Pines.
Bonsai Age: 0
Location: Illawarra NSW
Has thanked: 257 times
Been thanked: 117 times

Re: root over rock trident

Post by anthonyW »

Hi Neil
Excellent work as always,very informative blog too I might add often read it great work.

Both sides do it for me,push comes to shove no 2 for me...size of stem to roots more balance for me.

As for the top I personally would use the forward bit just to give room for more head,depends on how high you want to go of course,on seeing your front view the top of trunk looked very heavy for top going back to rock on bottom thickness ratios so front looked more balanced and ratio to suit on forward top bit if that makes sense.

Here is a roughie,just a little bit of fun,of course foilage can be more level,your call there...cheers Anthony
phpLpfIbiAM.jpg
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
Last edited by anthonyW on June 14th, 2016, 7:56 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Post Reply

Return to “Critiques & Virtual Designs”