To cut off or not to cut off? That is the question!

[Corymbia]

Grant, I prefer Jamie's second virt with the tree tilted and the lower right hand branch removed. That branch and the one above are too close together, and the result of removal is more in keeping with the sparseness of literati style.

Jan

[Webos]

I'd go with Antonio's first virt... Very nice Ant

[bonzaidog]

I'm feelin Ant's virt is a good way to go,as he said,thinned out a bit ,r/h branch down a bit,but l/h branch with a bit of length to keep movement going left too,so a combo with Jamie's #2 I guess!...The trunk has lovely movement Grant! M2BW (MY 2 Bob's Worth) ....Dog.

[LLK]

Thanks Jamie and Antonio for the virtuals with the tilted tree and reduced foliage! I agree that a small crown brings out the best of the nice movement and rugged trunk in this literati, while the tilting gives it balance. If someone could add a nice unglazed bonsai pot, it'd be perfect.

Happy Easter to all!

Lisa

[dayne]

i think leave it for now thin it out drop the branches some more and define the pads a bit and tilt to the right but either way nice tree

[Grant Bowie]

I think even less again. Just needs some final pulling down of branches and thinning out. ( which i cant virt ) The more minimal it goes the more it moves.

Ooh, that looks good!

Grant

[Glenda]

IMHO the tree looks unbalanced because the apex isn't over the trunk. I think it needs tilting to the right, then worry about that branch. Just my opinion for what it is worth.

Glenda

[Grant Bowie]

Grant, I prefer Jamie's second virt with the tree tilted and the lower right hand branch removed. That branch and the one above are too close together, and the result of removal is more in keeping with the sparseness of literati style.

Jan

Hi Jan,

You must have some nice Pines after your many years of work.

How are they and you doing up there? Miss Sydney?

Grant

[Grant Bowie]

I am surprised so many people want to put the apex over the base.

To me it loses so much movement and freedom of expression.

When the poll is over we will move on to another aspect of this tree i would like to discuss.

I am doing a sketch of where the tree has come from over the years as I don't have any very old photos.

Grant

[LLK]

I am surprised so many people want to put the apex over the base.

To me it loses so much movement and freedom of expression.

I guess different people see things differently....
Like Scott, I've seen the tree and it's fabulous in a way that photos can't show very well, but I have to admit that
the slight backwards lean (for lack of a better word) disturbs me every time I look at it.
Don't see how there could be less movement when the tree is tilted, since the lowest part of the trunk is less straight/vertical in that position.
All a matter of personal taste, perhaps.

Lisa

[Grant Bowie]

I am surprised so many people want to put the apex over the base.

To me it loses so much movement and freedom of expression.

I guess different people see things differently....
Like Scott, I've seen the tree and it's fabulous in a way that photos can't show very well, but I have to admit that
the slight backwards lean (for lack of a better word) disturbs me every time I look at it.
Don't see how there could be less movement when the tree is tilted, since the lowest part of the trunk is less straight/vertical in that position.
All a matter of personal taste, perhaps.

Lisa

Hi lisa,

Yes all trees in the flesh are different to a photo and yes it all comes down to personal taste.

As I said at the start there is no right or wrong with this tree, just art and personal taste.

My only desire is to improve each tree every time.

Grant

[Corymbia]

Hi Grant. Yes I have some lovely pines now, thanks to the many years of working and learning with yourself and Ric. They are thriving up here in the hot sun as I have very little shade in my new garden. And yes, I do miss all my bonsai mates and the bonsai scene in Sydney, but there are some keen locals. The only problem has been keeping the weeds under control!

Regards, Jan.

[anttal63]

Equilibrium is a fascinating perception. When it is taken to the edge of tipping is when dynamic movement is achieved. Dont be scared to tip it over the edge.
Safe is not always better. ( I forever thank Francois jeker's writing's)

I'm glad you're into it Grant.

[Grant Bowie]

Hi Grant. Yes I have some lovely pines now, thanks to the many years of working and learning with yourself and Ric. They are thriving up here in the hot sun as I have very little shade in my new garden. And yes, I do miss all my bonsai mates and the bonsai scene in Sydney, but there are some keen locals. The only problem has been keeping the weeds under control!

Regards, Jan.

you did move somewhere semi tropical and the weeds will always be a problem..

Grant

[Grant Bowie]

Equilibrium is a fascinating perception. When it is taken to the edge of tipping is when dynamic movement is achieved. Dont be scared to tip it over the edge.
Safe is not always better. ( I forever thank Francois jeker's writing's)

I'm glad you're into it Grant.

Hi Ant,

I don't want to skew the poll on the branch removal but I do feel the trunk is nicely balanced as it is.

The trunk comes out of the ground heading slightly right, then bends and heads slightly left; thereby achieving balance in my eye.

Lisa is correct that the top of the tree after the 2nd bend tilts slightly backwards. It is not apparent in the photo but of course can be corrected when I repot. I have a nice Pat Kennedy pot or two ready for it.

Grant