Orlando Bonsai » Blue Alps Juniper

Keeping it in perspective

Paul Pikel — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 20:22:39 +0000

After consulting with a few other bonsai artist, in particular Mike Rogers. I found that the pot that this tree was potted in was too “Heavy” mass-wise for the tree. In Bonsai, everything is about perspectives and relationships. The overall height of a tree, is six times the width of the trunk at the base of the tree. The first branch should be located one third of the overall height of the tree. The width of the bonsai pot should be two thirds the height of the overall tree. The depth of the pot should be no more than then the thickness of the trunk.

I know that this seems to be a lot of math for such an artform. However the brain automatically makes these calculations and makes sure that all parts of the tree are in perspective as they relate the tree parts. It is that immediate feeling one gets when they look at art, a human face, or even a structure. If one aspect of the object are out of balance it can cause the viewer to see weakness, unbalance, or dislike for the object.

So with that said, the pot that I had this tree in before was too wide, and too deep. The color was good though, and that is why I used it in the first place. The tree is now potted into a new Tokoname pot that is with in scale and the color, although darker, is an accpetable finish and color for Junipers.

New Pot for Blue Alps Juniper

This tree still requires plenty of branch work, but it will come in time.

Share on Facebook

Artsy Bonsai

Paul Pikel — Sat, 30 May 2009 13:06:15 +0000

My trees rarely, if ever are brought into my house. Only on very cold nights in the winter will I bring them in for a few hours. However last night my wife made a great dinner and I thought that the trees would set the mood. It never fails to amaze me just how big my trees are. On their benches they look so much smaller, but on a counter top or shelf they look huge.

Hallway Nitch

The Bunjin cypress really needs a good trimming, however the light green against the dark brown gives a really nice Zen feel.

Living room accent

I really wish I could keep this tree in doors all the time. It just fits so well and looks great in that corner.

TV Stand Bonsai

Probably the worst place to place a tree because the heat dries out the bonsai so quickly. However it looked good for the night.

Upshot of Cypress

Bonsai at sunset

The other night it had just finished raining at sunset. The color off the wet screen behind it set this beautiful picture up.

Share on Facebook

Defining redefined

Paul Pikel — Sat, 23 May 2009 16:28:43 +0000

Over the past few days I have worked to wire the secondary branches of my Blue Alps Juniper, and I have the scars to prove it.

Wired out Blue Alps Juniper

This is the results of my efforts. My goal this time was to truly performs a John Naka style wiring. I wanted to shape the branches from wide to narrow at the tims and from a side view from think to thin. I think I was able to achieve that.

Top view - Blue Alps Juniper

Here is an angle that you don’t normally see, but it is an important one. When I do my wiring the health of the tree is the most important issue. I try to move the branches so that the sun light is not blocked by another branch. You need to do this or the branch will die. Nice to see a nice full canapy, although I have a little bald spot in the middle that I need to cover over.

Before picture of Blue Alps Juniper

I needed to show the before picture so t hat you can see the dramatic difference. There was a lot of health new growth on this tree, and you can’t beat the blue color. I plan to stay on top of this tree and control the growth. I also want to shorten the left branch to bring the whole tree in closer to the trunk. Right now it seems a bit long which makes the trunk look thin.

Share on Facebook

New Addition

Paul Pikel — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 15:18:36 +0000

Well I am happy to report that I have a new member of my bonsai collection. This tree was traded with Jason Schley of Schley’s Bonsai in Holly Hill Florida for my beloved Podocarpus that was shown at Epcot a few years ago. This photo doesn’t really do the tree justice.

Share on Facebook