Robert Steven Critiques a Yew 9/10/10

Robert’s digitally enhanced version of a Yew that was submitted by Andre Flores (see below).

The photo that Andre submitted. It’s really too small (we want 500 pixels wide), but Robert went ahead a critiqued it anyway.

Robert’s critique
The first impression when you look at this bonsai, is that there is something disturbing to our eyes. This is not unusual, and often we cannot tell what it is that bothers us.

There are few issues :

1. The main issue is the right branch. This branch’s line is different from the other lines; it is too straight whereas overall the tree has curving lines, so this create an inharmonious image that makes it look separated from the trunk.
2. The foliage pads are not well arranged and refined, they look messy and the ramification (fine branching) looks immature.
3. The movement of the tree is not very clear, seems to have two competing power points pulling it apart.

Conclusion : The overall design shows a lack of harmony in terms of composition and refinement.

Solution :

1. Shorten the right branch and bend it slightly up to create a curving line.
2. Rearrange the ramification (branching) to improve the overall composition.
3. Refine the foliage edges and the tree will look more mature, and clean the lower foliage edges to show parts of the branches. This will make the tree looks more stately and elegant.
4. Slightly shorten the two longest left branches and lean the tree a little to the left to create better movement. The reason is on the deadwood. In nature, this feature obviously tells the deadwood was created due to the dead branch (see the knot’s hole) or due to the dying roots on the left side; so in the transformation process, it’s more logical that the tree will tend to grow to the right side (note: Robert asked me to edit for him – he’s not a native English speaker – which I have done, except for this last section that starts with “The reason is on the deadwood;” I’ll leave the interpretation up to you on this point).To enjoy more of Robert’s bonsai expertise, check out his excellent books: Vision of My Soul and Mission of Transformation.