Squamata Styling

Post your bonsai for critique by members. Virtual designs and restyles are encouraged.

How would you work this tree?

Poll ended at September 11th, 2010, 6:25 pm

With just the top portion.
2
4%
With just the top portion.
2
4%
With just the bottom portion.
23
43%
With just the bottom portion.
23
43%
I'd work with the whole tree as is.
2
4%
I'd work with the whole tree as is.
2
4%
Other- please specify in comments.
0
No votes
Other- please specify in comments.
0
No votes
 
Total votes: 54

User avatar
Mitchell
Aussie Bonsai Fan
Aussie Bonsai Fan
Posts: 1807
Joined: February 15th, 2010, 4:34 pm
Favorite Species: Ficus
Bonsai Age: 1
Bonsai Club: [color=#FFFF00]Aus[/color][color=#40FF40]Bonsai[/color]
Location: Sydney,Beecroft

Squamata Styling

Post by Mitchell »

Hey all! You might remember this lil' Squamata Prostrata I posted a while back. Ever since getting it I have been in too minds, well maybe three as to how it would be styled. The longer I think about it the harder it gets. So I'm going to throw it out to the AB members with a poll. I will go with the majority vote and let that decide this plants future. Here's a couple of virts not styled removing either the top or bottom to give you a general idea.

Please feel free to add your vote and or comment. :D

For more angles and shots head to viewtopic.php?f=131&t=5614 for the orignal thread.
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
Regards, Mitchell.



"It is one thing to shape a tree into form, but when you are able to convincingly deceive ones perception of reality, something much more is accomplished than just a simple bonsai."

"In a perfect world, we would all be giants and all plants Bonsai."

"Grow big, finish small."


Image Join Ausbonsai today Click Here! Image
User avatar
kcpoole
Perpetual Learner
Perpetual Learner
Posts: 12289
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: 18 times
Been thanked: 94 times
Contact:

Re: Squamata Styling

Post by kcpoole »

Hi Mitchell
Still cannot decide?

Ken
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
User avatar
Mitchell
Aussie Bonsai Fan
Aussie Bonsai Fan
Posts: 1807
Joined: February 15th, 2010, 4:34 pm
Favorite Species: Ficus
Bonsai Age: 1
Bonsai Club: [color=#FFFF00]Aus[/color][color=#40FF40]Bonsai[/color]
Location: Sydney,Beecroft

Re: Squamata Styling

Post by Mitchell »

Thought I was set on the cascade, but have this feeling that it may not be the best option. I think I'm looking for something that is not there. I guess that's the hard part isn't it, trying to find the tree within the tree. :)
Regards, Mitchell.



"It is one thing to shape a tree into form, but when you are able to convincingly deceive ones perception of reality, something much more is accomplished than just a simple bonsai."

"In a perfect world, we would all be giants and all plants Bonsai."

"Grow big, finish small."


Image Join Ausbonsai today Click Here! Image
User avatar
Jamie
Bonsai passionardo
Bonsai passionardo
Posts: 6829
Joined: August 21st, 2009, 8:08 pm
Favorite Species: CLERO!!!,ficus, celtis, juniper, elms
Bonsai Age: 9
Bonsai Club: AUSBONSAI.COM
Location: queensland, Hervey Bay
Been thanked: 2 times
Contact:

Re: Squamata Styling

Post by Jamie »

hi mate :D

Have you thought about going with the first option, then wiring it up to make it an upright tree again, then start shari work on both sides of the trunk to creat some live veins and grow it in a yamadori esque style?
SHOHIN YAKUZA!!!
:twisted: taking the top half of trees of since 2005! :twisted:
and growing trees for the future generations! 50+ year plans :D
User avatar
Gerard
Aussie Bonsai Fan
Aussie Bonsai Fan
Posts: 2656
Joined: October 7th, 2009, 12:32 pm
Favorite Species: pines
Bonsai Age: 16
Bonsai Club: BSV, Northwest, Northern Suburbs, VNBC
Location: Melbourne
Has thanked: 18 times
Been thanked: 49 times

Re: Squamata Styling

Post by Gerard »

I like the short option, the whole tree option is difficult because the tree moves in two different directions.
The taller option is too tall but I see a good option using half of it.
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
Q: Why are we all here?
A: Because we are not all there.
User avatar
Mitchell
Aussie Bonsai Fan
Aussie Bonsai Fan
Posts: 1807
Joined: February 15th, 2010, 4:34 pm
Favorite Species: Ficus
Bonsai Age: 1
Bonsai Club: [color=#FFFF00]Aus[/color][color=#40FF40]Bonsai[/color]
Location: Sydney,Beecroft

Re: Squamata Styling

Post by Mitchell »

Jamie wrote:hi mate :D

Have you thought about going with the first option, then wiring it up to make it an upright tree again, then start shari work on both sides of the trunk to creat some live veins and grow it in a yamadori esque style?

I had thought about it, but stopped as that sharp branch angle back down won't budge, it'll snap before it will allow you to increase the angle. I could wire the tail end back up, but that branch definitely wants to stay at a downward angle to the trunk. Perhaps a potting angle shift might cure that and allow what you said to work... :)
Last edited by Mitchell on September 9th, 2010, 1:03 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Regards, Mitchell.



"It is one thing to shape a tree into form, but when you are able to convincingly deceive ones perception of reality, something much more is accomplished than just a simple bonsai."

"In a perfect world, we would all be giants and all plants Bonsai."

"Grow big, finish small."


Image Join Ausbonsai today Click Here! Image
User avatar
Mitchell
Aussie Bonsai Fan
Aussie Bonsai Fan
Posts: 1807
Joined: February 15th, 2010, 4:34 pm
Favorite Species: Ficus
Bonsai Age: 1
Bonsai Club: [color=#FFFF00]Aus[/color][color=#40FF40]Bonsai[/color]
Location: Sydney,Beecroft

Re: Squamata Styling

Post by Mitchell »

Gerard wrote:I like the short option, the whole tree option is difficult because the tree moves in two different directions.
The taller option is too tall but I see a good option using half of it.

That looks pretty good Gerard, something definatley to think about...




Looks like so far there is an over-whelming response to the bottom section...
Regards, Mitchell.



"It is one thing to shape a tree into form, but when you are able to convincingly deceive ones perception of reality, something much more is accomplished than just a simple bonsai."

"In a perfect world, we would all be giants and all plants Bonsai."

"Grow big, finish small."


Image Join Ausbonsai today Click Here! Image
User avatar
Mitchell
Aussie Bonsai Fan
Aussie Bonsai Fan
Posts: 1807
Joined: February 15th, 2010, 4:34 pm
Favorite Species: Ficus
Bonsai Age: 1
Bonsai Club: [color=#FFFF00]Aus[/color][color=#40FF40]Bonsai[/color]
Location: Sydney,Beecroft

Re: Squamata Styling

Post by Mitchell »

Given the overwhelming response for lower. I'm going to go ahead and Jin the top section. This will still leave the option of utilizing some of the mid branches in case I'm not going full cascade. It will also leave a Lit option open.
I never intended on keeping that top, as the corkscrew finishes and it is dead straight, not in unison with the trunk line.

Cheers for your feed back guys! :D
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
Last edited by Mitchell on September 9th, 2010, 1:29 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Regards, Mitchell.



"It is one thing to shape a tree into form, but when you are able to convincingly deceive ones perception of reality, something much more is accomplished than just a simple bonsai."

"In a perfect world, we would all be giants and all plants Bonsai."

"Grow big, finish small."


Image Join Ausbonsai today Click Here! Image
User avatar
Dumper
Aussie Bonsai Fan
Aussie Bonsai Fan
Posts: 660
Joined: June 3rd, 2009, 8:35 am
Bonsai Age: 0
Location: Nunawading
Been thanked: 1 time
Contact:

Re: Squamata Styling

Post by Dumper »

i like what u done. it's different.

maybe the branch that u bend down. twist it a little more.

john
User avatar
Mitchell
Aussie Bonsai Fan
Aussie Bonsai Fan
Posts: 1807
Joined: February 15th, 2010, 4:34 pm
Favorite Species: Ficus
Bonsai Age: 1
Bonsai Club: [color=#FFFF00]Aus[/color][color=#40FF40]Bonsai[/color]
Location: Sydney,Beecroft

Re: Squamata Styling

Post by Mitchell »

I put some more movement in it just prior to you posting. It needed more as you said. :D

Check back in the other thread in a minute and I'll put an updated shot.
Regards, Mitchell.



"It is one thing to shape a tree into form, but when you are able to convincingly deceive ones perception of reality, something much more is accomplished than just a simple bonsai."

"In a perfect world, we would all be giants and all plants Bonsai."

"Grow big, finish small."


Image Join Ausbonsai today Click Here! Image
GavinG
Aussie Bonsai Fan
Aussie Bonsai Fan
Posts: 2263
Joined: April 26th, 2010, 11:47 pm
Favorite Species: Maple
Bonsai Age: 0
Bonsai Club: CBS
Location: Canberra
Has thanked: 545 times
Been thanked: 267 times

Re: Squamata Styling

Post by GavinG »

Low right branch is a dramatic option, and a powerful design if you can get the trunk and the branch to look like they flow from one to the other. Could be very fine. Good luck,

Gavin
User avatar
Mitchell
Aussie Bonsai Fan
Aussie Bonsai Fan
Posts: 1807
Joined: February 15th, 2010, 4:34 pm
Favorite Species: Ficus
Bonsai Age: 1
Bonsai Club: [color=#FFFF00]Aus[/color][color=#40FF40]Bonsai[/color]
Location: Sydney,Beecroft

Re: Squamata Styling

Post by Mitchell »

Gavin, that image is a possibility however as you can imagine with such a drastic downward turn, it will be hard to pull off... Squashed under snow perhaps?
If you check the other thread (link at top) you'll see where I am at this minute. I intend on creating a Full cascade which mimics a previously upright tree, that was crushed by rock slides/ snow and jinned/snapped the upright trunk away. :D Nice story, we'll see how I go.
Regards, Mitchell.



"It is one thing to shape a tree into form, but when you are able to convincingly deceive ones perception of reality, something much more is accomplished than just a simple bonsai."

"In a perfect world, we would all be giants and all plants Bonsai."

"Grow big, finish small."


Image Join Ausbonsai today Click Here! Image
GavinG
Aussie Bonsai Fan
Aussie Bonsai Fan
Posts: 2263
Joined: April 26th, 2010, 11:47 pm
Favorite Species: Maple
Bonsai Age: 0
Bonsai Club: CBS
Location: Canberra
Has thanked: 545 times
Been thanked: 267 times

Re: Squamata Styling

Post by GavinG »

Maybe sometimes there's not a story behind it, maybe sometimes its just art that grows. Some of the most astonishing literati are just dramatic calligraphic gestures - they don't look like Something Wot I Made, but they also don't look "Natural" - they just are what they are.

Mind you, some of the amazing shimpaku trees in Japan are way beyond "Natural" although they were collected from the cliffs.

Interesting area you are wrestling into.

Gavin
User avatar
Mitchell
Aussie Bonsai Fan
Aussie Bonsai Fan
Posts: 1807
Joined: February 15th, 2010, 4:34 pm
Favorite Species: Ficus
Bonsai Age: 1
Bonsai Club: [color=#FFFF00]Aus[/color][color=#40FF40]Bonsai[/color]
Location: Sydney,Beecroft

Re: Squamata Styling

Post by Mitchell »

Interesting.

I wonder why" SmartViper Website Analysis" records this page as the third Ausbonsai.com Most Popular Pages.

Only 260 views, so I don't see how that is possible. :? Must be a quirk in the system.

http://www.google.com.au/imgres?imgurl= ... s%3Disch:1
Regards, Mitchell.



"It is one thing to shape a tree into form, but when you are able to convincingly deceive ones perception of reality, something much more is accomplished than just a simple bonsai."

"In a perfect world, we would all be giants and all plants Bonsai."

"Grow big, finish small."


Image Join Ausbonsai today Click Here! Image
User avatar
Mitchell
Aussie Bonsai Fan
Aussie Bonsai Fan
Posts: 1807
Joined: February 15th, 2010, 4:34 pm
Favorite Species: Ficus
Bonsai Age: 1
Bonsai Club: [color=#FFFF00]Aus[/color][color=#40FF40]Bonsai[/color]
Location: Sydney,Beecroft

Re: Squamata Styling

Post by Mitchell »

Oh ok, thought I would hit google up with "Squamata styling". Comes up first, interesting.
Regards, Mitchell.



"It is one thing to shape a tree into form, but when you are able to convincingly deceive ones perception of reality, something much more is accomplished than just a simple bonsai."

"In a perfect world, we would all be giants and all plants Bonsai."

"Grow big, finish small."


Image Join Ausbonsai today Click Here! Image
Post Reply

Return to “Critiques & Virtual Designs”