Pinus Contorta

After seeing Pavel's and Dorothy's recent work, I'm almost too embarrassed to post my work, however I’ll never learn from others if I don’t so here are a couple of photos of my weekends work.
I had taken the tree ( Pinus contorta contorta) to my clubs Novemeber meeting and got a couplee of ideas on its development but somehow I just didn’t feel it….so I looked closely at the tree and visualized the trees in the area where I had collected in some 6/7 years ago. It was in a weakened condition at the time of collection and was the only tree in the area that could be more easily collected (access was restricted... so it was a one shot deal). I had it in a grow box for a number of years then put it into the training pot it’s currently in. My future plans at the moment are to put it in into a rock landscape. The last photo doesn’t show the windswept style very well so I’ll post again later in the week. The figurine, coarse gravel and small rock are only temporary and yes...... I do need to hone my photographic skills and improve the set up. Comments and thoughts welcome.
Cheers Graham

You came up with a lovelly budistic pine. Have a nice meditation.

gman,

don't overestimate your peers..

Since the pine is supposed to be windswept it would help to photograph it from the side. That rock looks very interesting. Post some more pics if you can please.

-dorothy

Hey Dorothy et al, (I just ran out of time to get a good windswept one on Sunday but......)
Here are a couple more photos showing the windswept nature of the pine. I see a lot of different "looks" from slight changes in angles so I think I'll place it in a round training pot until I can determine the right front, then again...... I'm also thinking that I could add it to a nicely shaped rock or put it into a wild west coast shoreline island or forest seascape setting, with some of my other pine yamidori's.... when they are ready in a couple of years.
WS to the right;

Windswept to the left;

Wiring;

Another look;

Thoughts, comments, discussion welcome.
Cheers G

Hi Gman. Can I suggest you get as much movement into those branches as possible. they're a bit straight at the moment.

will baddeley wrote:Hi Gman. Can I suggest you get as much movement into those branches as possible. they're a bit straight at the moment.

Hi and thanks Will, I think I understand where you are going with your suggestion and perhaps as this tree progresses and buds back some I'll be able to add some movement elements. The branches are long and thin and I did put some bends into them, were you thinking more of an up/down movement?
I was trying to emulate the style of trees on the outer west coast where they are battered by seasonal storms with gale force winds. They (branches) tend (not always) to be on planes and flow back in from the trunk in a distinct "V".
G

Side to sie and up and down. I have seen some Chinese books with windswept tray landscapes and they are fantastic. the branchesare contorted but all head in one direction and you can hear the wind in their branches. I wonder if anyone has some pics they can post?

I put in some movement, so thanks to Will and others (on other forums). I think its improved it greatly.
Cheers Graham
ps yes I know my wiring techniques need improving lol.
pp.s. Any of you British Isle folks heard of a village "Storrington"?

Much better, but with a bit more wire on you can really get movement started.

Hi Folks,
Here is an update on this 2009 post. I was told a number of times back in 09 that "you should have a plan".... well things change don't they?.... so I've revisited this Shorepine (Pinus contorta, contorta) over the last couple of years , adjusted it and now I've have tried to incorporate a made in BC (Coastal British Columbia Canada) feeling.
Our coastal areas are heavily forested and therefor we get a lot of driftwood along our beaches shorelines/coastlines thus, this composition is styled on my interpretation on a typical west coast beach scene.
First photo shows the Sandstone slab/stone, pieces on driftwood (that are anchored with cement) and 6 wire eye tie downs also in the cement. ....second photo finished.........and yes this is heavy.  
Comments as always welcome.
Cheers
Graham

Very nice Graham...I like it a lot!
John

Looking great now

Thanks jgeanangel and yamasuri.
Cheers
Graham

I get criticized from time to time for telling the truth as I see it.  I've been scolded for discouraging people when I should be encouraging people.  I have always felt that you are doing no one a favor when you tell them something is wonderful when it is not.  So it is with this bonsai.  To me this tree, as nice as it is, planted like this looks like Washington crossing the Delaware.  The planting is very creative but it looks man made; it looks like a boat.  Do I have any suggestions?  My suggestion is not for the tree though there are a few things you could do like put some graceful movement in to the otherwise stiff looking branches.  My problem is with the planting.  Try to see what I am seeing.  I am surprised that someone has not said something sooner.