Design Help With Boulevard Cypress

I bought this Boulevard Cypress last year. I liked it's feminine aspects, but after awhile, the "Y" started bothering me. So I would love some design ideas/virts. It's wired right now in the first pic, and the second pic is one idea I had, and my very first virt (no laughing now ) And I know, I forgot to orient the pot right...learning lol
Anyway, I'm open to all ideas.





Thanks!
Chris

Hi Chris,

How big is the tree? Can you take another photo at eye level?, so that we can provide a better suggestion. It is not about how nice your virt is, it is about your idea for the tree.

regards,
jun

Hi Jun, this is the only one I have at eye level...showing a possible pot I was thinking of using.
also, this is before any wiring was done.

Anyone?

The whole tree needs to be shortened and brought in closer to the trunk. The left hand branch (it is too high on the trunk to be considered another trunk) should be shortened considerably.

I say all this with NO idea how well this species backbuds.

I don't have any "new" ideas, but wanted to say - the last photo you posted is a very good angle to view the structure of the tree. The perspective is a little distorted in the first photo which was taken from a higher viewpoint. I'd suggest posting new photos, with the simple white background, from that lower viewpoint - when you get the chance (assume it's in winter storage right now). That might help us really evaluate the structure.

The Y is generally considered a negative.

Looking at the first photo, the 'y' really doesn't bother me. However, the 'branch' that appears to be driving to the top between the two does. If it can be pruned, redirected or removed to bring the focus back to the two leads it would help.

I would also concentrate on making the taller of the two parts of the Y the dominant and the shorter more of a supporting role. I would allow a little co-mingling of the branches from the two main leads; however, I would eliminate, or redirect, any branches that appear to be heading directly towards and in between both main leads.

Not positive how I would finalize that without spending more time with the tree.

Jay

Thanks Everyone!

Jim, agree with everything you said. You said "The left hand branch (it is too high on the trunk to be considered another trunk) should be shortened considerably. " I thought I did that in the virt I made. Did I not shorten it enough?? And I've heard unfort., that these don't back bud well. But it really does need to be brought closer to the trunk. I know I'm still learning because I didn't see that till I read your note. Then it became very obvious. The 'art' aspect of creating bonsai is a slow process I'm learning I'll make another virt and make it shorter while leaving the middle branch.

Chris, I know you've seen this tree on another forum. I'll try to shoot one at eye level when I get a chance.

Billy, I agree the Y isn't the best. That's why I think the effect will be minimized by shortening the L. branch.

Jay, I'll try another virt with your idea of eliminating the middle branch and shortening the other a bit more.

Thanks again everyone, this tree has been so far the most difficult for me to visualize the final design that's appealing.
Chris

Hello Chris.
On Tue. juli 12 2011 page 22 in the bonsai page you find something about the boulevard cipress (sawara).
The tree looks nice.
We see only one side of the tree and no nerbari, but
if the double trunk is bothering you, you can remove one (the right one i think)
the wound is healing over reasonably well.
But leave at first a stump, later you can remove it completely or yn.
One thing i would do right now is plucking back the green, especially in the top.
Sawara has some growth in the winter period.
Sunip

Hello Chris.
Maybe it is not necessary to mention but,
when pinching back always leave a bit of green.
Sunip

Ok, I had some play time. I tried three more variations. Let me know what you'll think.

Hi Chris,
The pictures are giving not enough details to say much about a possible design.
Can you make some pictures from 4 sides with a good trunk impression?
regards Sunip

Here's what I shot after wiring Sunip.

Fore wrote:Ok, I had some play time. I tried three more variations. Let me know what you'll think.

Hello Chris.
Thank you for the pictures.
I think i would go for this option.
In this option you have good taper and a smaller bonsai with the image of an older tree.(less is more)
I would cut back the top as well, and as i mentioned earlier, pinch back the green,
getting back the green in direction of the trunk is very important here.
Did you have a look at the nerbari, i do not get a clear image of the roots,
they tend to grow a big lump, and this can be a problem in the design?
You changed the front anti clock wise, maybe a turn clock wise is possible as well as long as the the big root part is not pointing directly at the viewer.
Sunip