YAE! (Yet Another Elm) Question

I got my first Chinese elm about 35 years into my bonsai adventure as they were not (and still aren't) my favorite tree. But I have it. And I have a front dilemma.

This was my planned original front . . .



. . . but the more I looked at it the less I liked it. (Note: The V between the trunk and the branch began as a much wider V but I managed to narrow the gap.)

Then I decided that this might be the front . . .



. . . and it still gives me a better feel than the original. But . . .

Then I began to wonder if this might be better -- even with all that foliage starting you in the face . . .



. . . so, if you can tell from the photos, what say any of you?

Hi Jim

The second photo is my prefered front, when looking at the photos.

Kind regards Yvonnes

Thanks. Me too -- I think.

I agree with Yvonne. Second is best from my limited experience.

JIM,, Been away 4 days..i like your elm of course !! my opion the second picture should be the front.. nice tree,,let us know what you do.. take care john

I like the third. I see a pirouetting dancer - a very dynamic image for a bonsai.

Hmmm. I see the twist, but "dancer" doesn't come to my mind. Interesting thought. I'll be watching and studying the tree for a while, I guess.

the 3rd picture shows the best nebari (once you get rid of these tubes...)
I suggest you to start from scratch on this face. the branch structure is, anyway, really poor. so don't focus too much on it for now.

The nebari is a bit better on the third photo...but the entire trunk is turned away from the viewer, to me is that a bigger flaw..I still prefer the the second.

Kind regards Yvonne