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

So Very Good: Why Weren’t We There?

I know it’s old news (2007) but this tree almost floors me with just how good it is. Do you agree? Am I crazy for falling love? I don’t think so. It’s a Pemphis Acidua from the The 9th Asia Pacific Bonsai and Suiseki Convention and Exhibition in Bali. The photo is by KiJaduk LuputSuwuk. I don’t know who the artist is, but there’s a great article about the convention on The Art of Bonsai Project (and thanks to Bonsaimania for first showing me this tree on facebook). But here’s the thing The Bali Convention is full of trees of … Continue reading So Very Good: Why Weren’t We There?

Another Budi, Another Pemphis

Pemphis acidula by Budiman Darmansjah. Here’s Budiman’s reply when I asked him if I could use it: “You can use it as you want. It is Pemphis acidula, grow on limestone rock at seaside. I collected this tree in 2000. Length of trunk is 105 cm.” (105 cm = 41 inches) Doubled down Just yesterday we posted a Pemphis acidula by Budi Sulistyo, a well known Indonesian bonsai artist and author of Tropical Bonsai Gallery. Now we have another Pemphis by another Budi (actually Budiman). Though it may not be quite as eye-popping as yesterday’s, still, it’s a good tree … Continue reading Another Budi, Another Pemphis