After. Finished for the moment. The challenge was for Masahiko Kimura to style a bunjin (literati) bonsai with only one branch (see below for where he started). It’s eccentricity lies in its striking simplicity, if that makes any sense. It a Japanese red pine (Pinus densiflora). From our Masters’ Series The Magician, the Bonsai Art of Kimura 2. From an article that originally appeared in Bonsai Today issue 69.

Before. Though still somewhat crude, this bunjin clearly has some potential; especially with its aged, elegant trunk and ample branching to chose from. Had Kimura not been restricted to ending with only one branch, he may have chosen another route. You can see the whole sequence from beginning to end in Kimura 2.

Take a look – it’s worth it
Artistic Foundations of Bonsai Design provides a wealth of material for anyone who wants to take their bonsai to the next level. Andy Rutledge approaches bonsai with respect for the depth and breath of the art, and it shows in this well thought out, well organized web book that just might be worth a few minutes (perhaps much more) of your time.

One of a series of simple and helpful illustrations that appear in Andy’s webbook in the chapter entitled ‘The Language of Artistry.’

Andy Rutledge
Andy Rutledge is a Lone Star bonsai maven (of no small accomplishment) who seems to be motivated by a sense of seriousness and of enjoyment, at least when it comes to bonsai. In addition to his web book, Andy has contributed to both of Robert Steven’s wonderful books (Mission of Transformation and Vision of My Soul) and has been involved in numerous other bonsai related project (we even worked together once on a Bonsai Today related project).

Oh, Mexico!
I just got back from Patzcuaro Mexico. Day temperatures of 70 to 80F (21 to 27C) and deep blue skies backdropping emerald leaves and needles, wildly bright bougainvillea flowers (actually bracts) and all the rest of natures uninhibited display. Now I’m back to our relentless cold gray skies and fields of snow. You gotta wonder.

While we northern snow lions wait for warmer days, I thought maybe we could pass time featuring some of your trees. It’ll be good for you to see them through the eyes of others, and good for others to see what you are up to. Good for me too; blogging can be a job at times, and any help is appreciated.

So, send us some photos. Really, don’t be shy.

Meanwhile, I’ve posted a few bonsai for your enjoyment. If you use a little imagination, you can get a feel for what one of your trees might look like here.

The main tree in this display by Mario Komsta is a Japanese red pine (Pinus densiflora: Akamatsu in Japanese) and the secondary tree is a Korean hornbeam (Carpinus coreana: Iwashide in Japanese). The photo originally appeared in Bonsai Today issue 105 under the title; Dreams of Kokufu-ten - A Western Bonsai Artist Exhibits at Japan’s Most Prestigious Show.

This Chinese juniper (Juniperus chinensis) was sent to us by John Hill several years ago. This is the first time we have shown it. To me its simple, open vertical movement is reminiscent of a Ponderosa pine somewhere in the high Rockies.

A very small (6″ 15cm) Japanese white pine (Pinus parviflora: Goyomatsu in Japanese) from Morten Albek’s collection. This photo originally appeared in Bonsai Today issue 105.

This elegant European beech (Fagus sylvatica) was lifted from bonsai4me, It’s a great site, full of useful intelligent, information and a range of great photos.