AusBonsai

I feel the pot choice is good with out having to go and buy another... How ever the pot position has bothered me since repotting. At the time i thought it was right, once done im not so sure. So i finally worked out how to do some virt stuff on Gimp and have a look at some choices. So i thought i would put it to you all to help out and make a choice. While we are here in critique's and virts, as well as your vote i also invite and encourage some discussion on this tree and the subject of pot/tree match and positioning. Give it to me baby !!!

G'day Antonio

I voted for C which seems to be popular.

I would however grow a leader back to the right off the top of what is there now. I think that would visually balance the tree better and improve the direction. I would then have the longer branches on the right side.

Nice Gimp work

Tony

I chose C. in most cases the pot should not be used to balance the tree, the placement of the branches should balanced the tree in relation to the trunk movement. pot size can also aid in balancing. a smaller pot maybe if you were to place it in the centre???
the colours in the pot do match the tree well though

Hugh

C but when you cut it off at the first branch it won't matter for a long time! Lol

I really have an enormous amount to learn about this subject. and also pot selection etc.
My initial reaction before I voted and looked at the results or comments was C, as to my untrained eye it seems to balance the composition more.
But the more I looked at it I personally felt that D was/is more dynamic and so that is how I voted.
To me C balances it too much. After all the trunk leans/slants to the right and the apex is on the left...so the empty pot space on the left in pot selection D helps suggest that apicial movement/change of direction to my eye, and looks more dynamic to me.
Cheers, Dario.

To me there are only 2 options C or D and I voted for C it just gives the tree a sense of balance whereas A and B made the tree look very unstable

Barry

Hi

I voted D as I believe it does give it a more dramatic look and I guess to some extent that is what we are trying to create " not just a pot plant " ! With the development of that left branch over time that will create more balance to the image.... all in all i really like it the pot choice in my eyes is great .... just my

Regards Mick

Thanks to you all, really great feed back. I am already able to see this tree and composition through a diffeent lense. Please keep it coming.

As others i voted "c" as the logical choice as, i guess, that is where it should be. I am not sure about the bottom branch and if it is necessary in the design. It can always go later if it does not fit.

I always try to positition a tree in the centre of a pot. The pot represents the ground and as such should act like a picture frame. How do you look at a bonsai? You start at the base (Nebari) and your eye follows, up the trunk and then to the rest of the tree. Therefore, the starting point, the base of the tree should be in the centre of the composition, which draws the eye strait to it, not off to one side where its not the first thing that attracts your eye. C. is the correct possition. JMO. After all isn't it all about the tree. The pot is there to make the tree look good.

chris

I would say C but I have a question that goes with that. Would it be right to say that with informal upright trees should the intended apex of the tree be centred to the pot and the trunk leaves the pot wherever it needs to, to make this happen. I have just looked at some good examples of bonsai and this seems to be consistant with the trees that looked balanced.

This is not an opinion but a question?

If this is true then I would say C but slightly more left.

Cheers

Squizz

How about a position between C and D. It will be smack bang in the middle of the pot but I think it will work

I would love to know who voted (a) and why ???

Keep it coming guys and gals !!!

Given time i hope to answer all of you individually please bare with me.

I picked A on the assumption that you will grow the right hand branches longer to flow with the trunk movement. I am also half inclined to agree with Jarrod re first branch option.
Craigw

craigw60 wrote:I picked A on the assumption that you will grow the right hand branches longer to flow with the trunk movement. I am also half inclined to agree with Jarrod re first branch option.
Craigw

Jarrod wrote:C but when you cut it off at the first branch it won't matter for a long time! Lol

Tony Bebb wrote:G'day Antonio
I voted for C which seems to be popular.
I would however grow a leader back to the right off the top of what is there now. I think that would visually balance the tree better and improve the direction. I would then have the longer branches on the right side.
Nice Gimp work
Tony

bodhidharma wrote:As others i voted "c" as the logical choice as, i guess, that is where it should be. I am not sure about the bottom branch and if it is necessary in the design. It can always go later if it does not fit.

Let me start with you 4, Jarrod you know me too well that is exactly why the 1st left hand branch is left to run. This is a little tall and skinny for my liking. However the base being a good proportional size to the rest which has subtle and interesting movements beckons me to play. Bodhi if i decide to stay with this plan then you are absolutely right in that neither of those 2 bottom lefts are needed. Tony and Craig, Yes the idea of growing right hand foliage and apex would make a lovely tree also and answer the exit and flow of the trunk. I on the other hand am depicting a tree that has been blown or corroded to the right but its life line of light and water is still on its left and therefor aim to develope the the left hand side further. (c) is a safe option the tree sits very comfortably in that position. It got out of the soil, leaving home , creating tension and then the apex brings it back home to stand over the centre of the pot feeling very safe and stable. (a) in photo forced me to second guess, it looks and feels unstable however in the bark, it sits really nice but with a little more tension and uncertainty than (c), allowing the composition to be a little more provocative.

Thanks fellas for forcing me to think about it more. I will come to the rest of you in due course for i am looking forward to more interesting ideas there to be mulled, just need to find the time between repotting and school holidays + everything else