Windswept Bonsai Critique

Robert Steven’s simulation of a planting submitted by someone named Bob. In Robert’s words: “Above is my simulation that suggests a strong wind blown effect. I improved the ramification structure, reduced the foliage to enhance the movement of the lines, and eliminated the grasses to avoid irrelevant conditions.” Bob’s original is below. Bonsai mastery I have long been impressed by Robert Steven’s mastery of the art of bonsai and his skill and ease with windswept bonsai (surely one of the most subtle and demanding types of bonsai), illustrates that mastery. Bob’s original submission. Robert’s Critique Many people misunderstand that windswept … Continue reading Windswept Bonsai 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 a Manchurian Pear

Robert Steven’s simulation of a Manchurian pear that was submitted by John. His original submission is below. Fall color bonus A while back we ran a few posts on fall color. This one qualifies for that group as well as a subject for a critique. In fact, it was the tree’s fall color that prompted John to send it to us. Now with John’s good-natured permission, Robert gets a crack at it. Autumn in March John lives in Australia (but far from the flooding). So this photo was taken while late winter snow was still on the ground here in … Continue reading Robert Steven Critiques a Manchurian Pear

Bonsai Critique: Simple & Profound

One of Robert Steven’s two simulations of a tree in a rock-like container that was submitted by Kian (no second name given). In spite of the somewhat fuzzy images, the general ideas come through loud and clear. Simple changes with profound results Sometimes an adjustment to the position of a container (above), or a new container (below), can radically transform a planting. Neither of Robert’s simulations involve any changes to the tree, yet both transform a somewhat stagnant planting to something full of natural movement and interest. Robert’s second simulation.

Robert Steven Critiques a Black Pine and Offers Some Insights into the Five Schools of Penjing

Robert Steven’s simulation of a Japanese black pine that was submitted by Mike Liu (Mike’s original is immediately below). Mike’s original photo that was submitted to Robert. Robert’s Critique The Five Schools of Chinese Penjing The above black pine bonsai is sent by Mike Liu from China. Since Chinese bonsai is called penjing, I will offer a brief discussion of penjing. The main difference between penjing (Chinese: pen = pot; jing = panorama) and bonsai (Japanese: bon = pot; sai = plant), despite the terminology, penjing is more about artistic nuance in portraying natural phenomena; and bonsai is more disciplined … Continue reading Robert Steven Critiques a Black Pine and Offers Some Insights into the Five Schools of Penjing

Black Pine Critique by Robert Steven

Robert Steven’s simulation of a Japanese black pine that was submitted by Tom Duong (see below for Tom’s original). Where’s yours? Email us a photo of your bonsai and we’ll submit it to Robert Steven for a critique. So far about ten people have dared and have learned something about their bonsai in the process. Now it’s your turn. Tom’s original photo that was submitted to Robert. Tom also submitted a back, left, right and top view. Even though Robert requested these, very few submissions have included them. While we are on the topic; when photographing bonsai it’s always a … Continue reading Black Pine Critique by Robert Steven

Weeping Bald Cypress Critique by Robert Steven

Robert Steven’s simulation of a Bald cypress that was submitted by Mac McAtee (see below for Mac’s original). It will cost you absolutely nothing (except maybe a little pride) Email us a photo of your bonsai and we’ll submit it to Robert Steven for a critique. Robert is a world renowned bonsai author, teacher and artist (you could say bonsai master, but I tend to shy away from using the term) and we are delighted to be the recipients of his generous offering of his time and expertise (how’s that for a string of prep phrases?). Normally you would pay … Continue reading Weeping Bald Cypress Critique by Robert Steven

Penjing Book: All Good Things Must End & Tying Up a Loose End on a Robert Steven Critique

An old favorite is almost gone. Only 3 or 4 left Thought we’d give you a fair warning in case you’ve been meaning to procure your own copy. It’s a the only Penjing book in English and, in my opinion, belongs in that elite group we call classics. Tying up a loose end A while back, Robert Steven asked me to post an original picture that he used for a second critique of an Atlas cedar (the photo for the first critique was posted). Given that most people probably don’t bother to read comments on old posts, I thought more … Continue reading Penjing Book: All Good Things Must End & Tying Up a Loose End on a Robert Steven Critique

Robert Steven Critiques a Ficus

Robert’s digital simulation of a Ficus nerifolia that was submitted by Tom Kreugl. Tom’s original. The small stick marks the front Tom has chosen. Robert’s critique In spite of the tree itself, this is a photo that I do not like (sorry!). There’s a problem with appreciation of the art of bonsai because the photo cuts off part of the pot.