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.
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 tree isn’t exactly eccentric. Just powerful, handsome and unique. It’s by Budi Sulistyo and graces the cover of his excellent tropical bonsai gallery book (you can see the whole cover below). Such a contrast I think this next tree (below), also by Budi, falls into the eccentric category. This ficus microcarpa by Budi Sulisyo from an album entitled ‘Stone Pot’.
This distinctive Japanese red pine appears in Andy Rutledge’s web book ‘Artistic Foundations of Bonsai Design.’ The original image (left) came from a back issue of Bonsai Today magazine. The black lines on the right hand image were drawn by Andy to illustrate how “the smooth but erratic curves of the trunk are carried over into the branching.” 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 … Continue reading Artistic Foundations of Bonsai Design: WebBook by Andy Rutledge
Here’s some of our new tools (there are more) by Bonsai Aesthetics. From left to right: Rook hook, Extra large branch jack, Extra large branch bender, branch lever, and Large branch jack. Good tools and the price is right A few months ago we introduced some of Robert Steven‘s new line of bonsai tools. Robert is the author of Mission of Transformation and Vision of My Soul, and is one of the world’s most innovative bonsai artists. Like many of us, Robert realized that Japanese tools are gradually being priced out for many people, while Chinese tools are coming up … Continue reading Some Serious New Bonsai Tools
That’s Robert Steven dangling from the rope ladder. I don’t know who his friend is, but he better have a pretty good grip. This photo is from Robert’s new book, Mission of Transformation. The location is in Java, one of the islands of Indonesia. The object of this and some other perilous climbs is the wild Premna (P. microphylla and P. serratifolia). Life and limb As the supply of magnificent wild potential bonsai dwindled in Japan, collectors risked life and limb hanging from remote mountain cliffs (like on Mount Ishizuchi below) to get at that last old shimpaku or pine. … Continue reading Not for Sissies: Yamadori part 2
This Pemphis acidula is just another example of Robert Steven’s artistry. But the real question is; how did he arrive at this level of artistry and how can you get there too. Robert’s goal with Mission of Transformation is to answer these questions. More than just another beautiful bonsai book Robert Steven wants to share what he knows about creating powerful bonsai. As evidence, here’s the table of contents in Mission of Transformation: Introduction, Bonsai and Nature, Transformation, Designing, Aging, The Principle of Good Bonsai Design (Balance, Movement and Rhythm, Emphasis, Simplicity, Contrast, Proportion, Space, Unity), Transformation Studio, Critique, Gallery, … Continue reading Robert Steven’s Unique New Book is in Our Warehouse and Ready to Ship