African composition

I have posted this before but have since done more work with the composition.  This image was taken with background flash.

The same image taken without flash.

I like it, Tom, but I do have a bit of an issue with seeing the giraffe climbing up on the boulder.  I don't think they'd do that with any great willingness; they're too long legged (and necked) to balance on a sloping boulder.   Verisimilitude. Maybe if you built a hill of soil, with a more gradual incline -- perhaps with the boulder as a cliff face?

Thank you, Jim....your point is well taken. I chose this particular stone because of the flat notch in it giving a place for the giraffe to "stand" and the fact that the notch continues down to meet the soil on the right side of the stone (it may be difficult to clearly see from the photograph angle). I do like your suggestion, however.

Tom

What a difference in the two pictures.
After watching Arthur J. from the N.C. Arboretum, who made a presentation on american bonsai recently to Our association here in Seattle, I can appreciate the effort made to make a case for african bonsai. I Think Jim's point is well taken, but have to admitt, the scene draws you in. Well done! and thanks for posting....

Thank you, Dick....I appreciate the kind words.

Tom

I have a Brazilian Rain Tree growing as a flat top, and an almost identical giraffe. I have not posted a picture of this, b/c of a problem that bothers me, and which shows up in your composition. The giraffe is shiny. Any thoughts on how we can 'flatten' that coating on our animals for another touch of realism? Also, do you think the hooves are relatively too large for the size of the animal? If you agree, following Jim's idea and if the little rise of earth had moss, the hooves could be hidden in the 'grass'.

All that aside, I am drawn in also, to repeat Dick's term. Nice trunk and styling of the tree.

I've got a two-year old son, he could matte that up for ya' in about 20 seconds!! Prunes like a monster too, just not very good. Or where you need it!!

Tenpai/figurines have been a real trial for me. It's hard enough finding anything that can be used and then when you do they're too shiney, too big, too small etc etc etc.

Overall, I think I have learned to be a little more long suffering/kind and accept what is available that can help move a story along, even tho it's not perfect...

I find the same struggle finding the right table/stand/jitta, let alone bonsai pots. Like kermit's Miss Piggy is often quoted , "more is not enough"...

dull coat spray aka matte spray

clear sprays that dry to a flat finish
(and also helps with weather protection...)

any hardware store

i too have a giraffe in my BRT...
but not any-more after reading this...

cant swing a dead cat around without hitting a giraffe nowadays...

I had an inkling you would know the answer Kevin. About too many giraffes, try a lion instead, to control the population. Thanks also, Lance. I didn't know there was such a thing (matte spray, not 2 y/o's).

I like your perspective, Dick. First tell the story, then buff it up.

OK Tom, matte spray. Cool.

Precarious wrote:About too many giraffes, try a lion instead, to control the population.  

brilliant !!!

except, that seems to remind me of a parable...

Tom,
Nicely done.
Jerry

Thank you, Jerry...good hearing from you, my friend.

Tom