Shape Shifting

Robert Steven’s simulation of a juniper submitted by Peter Woosley. Peter’s original is below. Last post we borrowed from our archives and featured the artistry of Robert Steven. Might as well follow up with more archival Robert (from April, 2011). Before we start, a quick heads up with a nod to our sponsor (while staying on topic): We are down to less than 200 copies of our Masters Series Juniper bonsai book, and, as it turns out, we are currently running a 25% off sale on all of our books. Enough said. A surprising shift Robert fooled me (once again). … Continue reading Shape Shifting

Useful Tips for Those of Us Stuck in Beginner Level Bonsai Skills

Robert’s digital simulation of a Ficus nerifolia that was submitted by Tom Kreugl. Busy traveling so we’ll dig up another post from our vast archival past. This one is from September, 2010. It’s one of numerous Robert Steven critiques that provide simple lessons in bonsai design, with several useful tips. I think it’s particularly good for beginners and those of us who have been stuck with beginner level skills for too long (all of Robert’s critiques are good for beginners and for more advanced enthusiasts too). While we’re talking about Robert Steven, this might a good place to mention … Continue reading Useful Tips for Those of Us Stuck in Beginner Level Bonsai Skills

Visual Balance – Robert Steven Critique

Robert Steven’s simulation of a Pemphis acidula that was submitted for critique by Hamman Harris. The original is below. Bow and arrow Once you get beyond the fact that the bark and shape and even the foliage (at a glance) on this Pemphis look so much like the common Juniper pro-nana (that made-yesterday little bonsai imposter that flooded our Holiday malls last century), you might notice that there’s an unmistakable bow and arrow effect going on here. True, the bow has been softened considerably by Robert in his simulation, but the arrow remains. Perhaps Robert left it the way it … Continue reading Visual Balance – Robert Steven Critique

Robert Critiques a Unique Trunk Line

Simulation by Robert Steven. The original, which was submitted by Ihwanuddin Lutfi is below. Send us yours for a free critique For a while we were getting regular submission, but now, the well seems to be a little drier. Don’t be shy. Robert can be very direct, but then, how many people have the expertise and confidence to be so direct? And so helpful in viewing your bonsai in a new light? You can send your photos to me, or directly to Robert. Ihwanuddin Lutfi’s original. Notice how Robert softened the background color in his simulation (above). Robert’s critique Pemphis … Continue reading Robert Critiques a Unique Trunk Line

A Robert Steven Critique & Our Two Cents

Robert Steven’s simulation of a Pemphis acidula that was submitted (below) by Surmardi of Indonesia. Making our point Though Robert doesn’t mention it in his critique, he does remove the background clutter that you see in Surmardi’s photo. To my eye, this change has as much impact on the tree’s appearance as Robert’s other changes. Preparing and photographing trees is a topic that we have discussed in this blog; most recently, in our last post. Surmardi’s original begs the question: why not just raise the tree and photograph it with only the yellow background? The failure to do something that … Continue reading A Robert Steven Critique & Our Two Cents

Robert Steven Critiques an Atlas Cedar and Provides an Interesting Lesson in Creating Shari

Robert Steven’s digitally enhanced version of a Blue Atlas Cedar. The original photo (below) was submitted by Mike Andrews. The original. Robert’s critique Basically, this is a very nice Cedar with nice movement and sufficient well-arranged branching and the shari helps create a feeling of age. But, there are few issue here : This bonsai is styled in a very common “S” shape with a basic 1,2,3 branch arrangement. Although there is nothing wrong with it, it lacks excitement. In other words, it could be styled in more interesting and natural fashion. The shari is not properly done. As described … Continue reading Robert Steven Critiques an Atlas Cedar and Provides an Interesting Lesson in Creating Shari

Contest: Your Insights Please

A River in India, by Lew Buller. From his book, Saikei and Art: Minature Landscapes. Now on special at Stone Lantern. Share your insights and win Send us a written critique of the planting above and you just might win. Even if you don’t, you can share your observations with our readers. Note: Do not put your entry in comments below. Instead email yours to wayne@stonelantern.com; after we have received them all we will post them for judging (see below). The prizes The first two place will receive gift certificates to Stone Lantern. $25.00 for first place and $15.00 for … Continue reading Contest: Your Insights Please

You Be The Judge & Good Things Will Happen

Judge our $100 Bonsai Art Contest and win a $30.00 Judge’s Gift Certificate to Stone Lantern for the best judges comments (comments are optional; see below under ‘How can you win….’). The basics The 13 bonsai art entries below (placed roughly in the order we received them) have been entered in our $100 Bonsai Art Contest. The winner will be determined when 25 judges have sent in their decisions, or by April 30th (whichever comes first). Anyone can judge (see below if you entered in the contest), but only one time per person.

A Borrowed Bougainvillea Bonsai: Bracts and All

Bougainvillea. Borrowed from Andolfo Bonsai Studio. Two things stand out; the flowers (actually they are bracts, the little white things are the flowers) and the trunk. You might also notice the how small the pot is relative to the tree. If the purpose of this tree is to show off its colors, then you’d have to say it’s a screaming success. But what if you take away the flowers? Is it still a noteworthy bonsai? Or does that even matter? Are flowering bonsai different? In Japan flowering trees are often designed in ways that show off the flowers first and … Continue reading A Borrowed Bougainvillea Bonsai: Bracts and All