Robert’s simulation. My apologies for the fuzzy. The original (below) was submitted by Leigh Taafe. The original. Robert’s critique From the trunk’s feature (the jin & shari), we can tell that this tree (in nature) has gone through a transformation process, and the new crown is formed from what was originally a branch.
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
Robert Steven’s digitally enhanced version of a Trident maple by Carl Morrow (the photo Carl submitted is below). The original photo. Robert’s comments Despite the details, bonsai design is all about composition, and the pot is one of the most important composition elements. A well chosen pot can reflect and enhance the best features of a tree and effect the overall image, adding both nuance and balance.
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 : The main issue is the right branch. This branch’s line is different from the other lines; it is too straight whereas overall the … Continue reading Robert Steven Critiques a Yew
This photo will give you some idea of what Robert Steven is up to. Well, this and critiquing your trees. Your photos and Robert’s request (in his own words) “…one more thing, you’d better suggest people to send the picture taken with plain background with the proper front angle, plus back and sides if they wish.” None of the photos so far… … have completely conformed to what he wants. This isn’t to say he won’t accept them (he might), just that it will make it easier on him if the photos are closer to what he is looking for. … Continue reading Critiques: A Simple Request (In His Own Words)
Robert Steven at work. A very easy decision I just received an email from Robert Steven suggesting that we offer his critiques of your trees on Bonsai Bark. Needless to say, I hesitated about 1/10th of second (maybe less) in accepting his offer. About Robert Robert Steven is one of the most innovative and prolific bonsai artists in the world. Robert possesses enough vision, daring, imagination and masterful control of technique to fuel dozens of us more ordinary bonsai lovers. If you don’t believe me (overstatement is not unknown around these parts) check out his books: Vision of My Soul, … Continue reading Robert Steven World Famous Bonsai Artist, Teacher & Author Will Critique Your Tree For Free
This photo is from Kiki Bonsai. Win a $25.00 gift certificate to Stone Lantern Send me (wayne@stonelantern.com) your written critique of the planting in this photo. Try to keep it to 100 words or less. I will pick the winning critique based upon two criteria: 1. Content. How insightful your observations are. 2. Clarity. How clearly and simply you express your observations. DO NOT PUT YOUR CRITIQUE IN THE COMMENTS BELOW. Email it to me at wayne@stonelantern.com. Put ‘Critique’ in the subject line. You will become famous I will post the winning critique and perhaps one or two others that … Continue reading $25 Critique Contest
Way back on April 4th, we asked our readers to critique this planting (from Saikei and Art). Now, we have two winners. First place ($25 gift certificate to Stone Lantern): Donna Lynn. Second place ($15 gift certificate): Zack Clayton. (winners can contact wayne@stonelanten.com to find out how to get your prizes). Why we picked these two Lew’s charming planting is both compelling and flawed. For the contest, it’s the planting’s overly symmetrical nature that caught my attention (the two forests are almost exactly equal in mass; this contributes to a somewhat static rather than a more dynamic feel), so I … Continue reading River Critiques: We Have Two Winners!
Patrick Giacobbe was kind enough to send this along with some comments (my dream of a more interactive blog is slowly dawning). It’s his take on a photo that was submitted by John Romano that appears in an earlier post (Be A Fearless Bonsai Warrior – 9/24/09). To clarify, the tree is John’s and the superimposed lines and the comments that follow are Patrick’s (edited just a bit by yours truly – I had to key it in anyway as text was sent as part of the image). Dear John (from Patrick) John, no need to apologize for the tree. … Continue reading A Reader’s Critique and a Small Exception
This powerful Trident maple was submitted by Carl Morrow of Cape Town South Africa and is our first Fearless Bonsai Warrior award winner (a fifteen dollar gift certificate to Stone Lantern-see below). A free critique (for what it’s worth) There’s a lot to like about this tree, and a few things that might be done to improve it. I think it needs a different pot (actually, I like the pot a lot, just not with this tree). It’s shallowness sets off the trunk’s thickness, and that’s a good thing, however, the pot is too big from side to side and … Continue reading Bonsai Warriors: A Critique & A Pleasant Surprise