Blowing in the Wind

The sublime windswept landscape planting is from Robert Steven’s now classic Vision of My Soul. The species of the trees is Dyospryros montana (Mountain persimmon is one of several English names). A very quick search will reveal that there are precious few good windswept bonsai. At least on the web. I suspect there are several reasons for this. First, it’s time consuming to make a superb windswept like the one above. All those little branches need to be wired. Second, you have to understand how the wind works on trees. This requires some study and paying attention to detail. Not … Continue reading Blowing in the Wind

Ramify!

Robert Steven’s simulation of an Olive that was submitted by Gary Howes (it’s Gary’s second time, here’s the first). Ramification. In the almost two and one half years since we ran our first critique by Robert Steven, he has repeatedly emphasized the importance of developing branching (ramification), particularly fine branching (secondary, tertiary and so forth). Especially if you want to create the feel of maturity on a young tree (or any tree for that matter). And though you can’t grow new branches overnight, it doesn’t take that long to get a good start. How long depends on a number of … Continue reading Ramify!

Natural Transformation: A Tree’s Life Story by Robert Steven

After. Robert Steven’s simulation of an Olive that was submitted by Gary Howes. There’s a lot to like about this simulation, including just how natural and untamed it looks (even the pot has an untamed quality); untamed in the sense of something that has managed to stay alive and even thrive under some of the harshest conditions that Nature can dish out. Living on the cutting edge. It has been a while since we’ve featured a critique by Robert Steven. If you are new to Bonsai Bark, Robert is one of the world’s best known bonsai artists, whose renown has … Continue reading Natural Transformation: A Tree’s Life Story by Robert Steven

A Man With a Mission (and a Vision)

This calligraphic bonsai seems perfectly balanced between stasis and movement (something like that anyway). The relationship of bonsai to calligraphy goes way back to the old Chinese masters. Not only is Robert Steven an artistic heir to this tradition, but he is also an expert on the tradition and its history. This post features five trees that I grabbed from a Robert Steven gallery on facebook. Two things immediately jumped to mind when I first saw them: one, Robert just keeps producing top-notch bonsai, and two, these are undeniably Robert’s trees. If you’re familiar with his distinctive touch and vision, … Continue reading A Man With a Mission (and a Vision)

Paying a Visit to an Old Friend

There’s something about a beautiful bonsai in flower. If you let your eyes linger for a few moments, you’ll notice how the seemingly perfectly placed flowers enhance the power of the tree rather than overwhelm it. It’s a bougainvillea by Robert Steven. All this photos in this post are from Robert’s facebook gallery. Always a pleasure It has been a while since we’ve featured the bonsai of Robert Steven. In addition to being one of the foremost bonsai artists and teachers on this fierce and lovely planet, Robert is also a friend. Not in the ordinary sense of buddies you … Continue reading Paying a Visit to an Old Friend

The Other Cascade: Before & After

After by Kimura (aka the Magician). This photo is from a chapter in our Masters’ Series Pine Book titled Masahiko Kimura Transforms A Semi-Cascade. The tree is a Japanese white pine (Pinus parviflora). The other cascade Correct me if I’m wrong, but it seem to me that, with the exception of Junipers (especially the ever present Procumbens nana) you don’t see that many semi-cascade bonsai (I just scrolled back through the last couple month of Bonsai Bark and about 10% of the trees featured are semi-cascade; more than I thought I’d find, but still, not that many). Actually, you don’t … Continue reading The Other Cascade: Before & After

A Bonsai Story

A compelling bonsai story. If the best bonsai tell a story, this one speaks loud and clear. I think that the story here is expressed in the way the low tree on the right appears to have regenerated after a near fatal fall and the way this effect is supported by all the deadwood. Then there’s the overall balance that’s enhanced by the way the the foliage and wood on the small tree mirrors the large tree. There’s more, but enough said for now. A great demo at an excellent show A few days ago we featured some bonsai from … Continue reading A Bonsai Story

Robert Steven Critique & An Intoxicated Debate

Sake fueled debate? Are these two old Chinese sages engaged in a raging (and perhaps intoxicated) philosophical debate? (Speaking of: Monday’s NYTimes has a somewhat interesting article/debate about Western vs non-Western philosophy for the two of you who might be interested in such things.) But I digress. What you are really looking at is a Robert Steven simulation of a tree that was submitted by Mr Zhang Bing for critique. Singing Robert’s praises We’ve been singing praises for Robert Steven’s bonsai, bonsai simulations and books for a long time. Here’s why; Robert provides insights about bonsai and especially Penjing that … Continue reading Robert Steven Critique & An Intoxicated Debate

A Deft Touch: Another Excellent Critique by Robert Steven

After. Robert Steven’s simulation of a tree that was submitted by Sumardi. The before photo is below. Robert’s deft touch If you look at the before and after shots, it’s easy to see that it’s the same tree. The trunk has been leaned slightly to the left, some branches have been lengthened and some shortened, it has a different pot and the placement in the pot has been moved. Nothing very radical, yet the effect is striking; the tree has transformed from simple potential to realization of that potential. Before. The image that Sumardi submitted to Robert. Robert’s comments The … Continue reading A Deft Touch: Another Excellent Critique by Robert Steven

A Deeper Understanding: Robert Transforms a Forest Planting

Robert Steven’s simulation of a forest planting that was submitted by Paulo Netto (photo immediately below). Here’s some of what Robert has to say about this simulation: “The irregular placement of the trees creates a better perspective and the impact of the focal point is more obvious. Sufficient empty space makes the scenery much more interesting and natural.” A good place to start Forest planting are fun and easy. Easy in the sense that anyone can gather a group of small trees and place them in a pot. Often, even complete novices will find the results pleasing, especially if they … Continue reading A Deeper Understanding: Robert Transforms a Forest Planting