There are always those pioneers who push the boundaries of any type art. Sometimes to the breaking point. Robert Steven is one of those pioneers and whether or not you like the results, my best guess is that, at the very least, your mind will be stopped for a moment or two. This one and the two just below are from a show last summer Robert Steven created using his own mixed media bonsai. With a little help from his friends of course.   I like the story that this one tells. And the scale.   Hmmm. Unusual to say the least. Here's a quote by Robert that might go with this one.&nb ..read more

If you don't know Peter, one of our most accomplished young bonsai artists, you're in for a treat. And if you do know Peter, you're still in for a treat. One thing that jumps out for me with this remarkable tree, is the well developed ramification all the way out to the tips of the twigs. Here's Peter Tea's caption, "The deciduous work begins! Defoliated this Korean Hornbeam and a slight thinning and cut back." Another one with good ramification. Here's Peter's caption, "Ramified Seiju Elm in a Sara Rayner pot! It’s going to get a repot in February." Here's what Peter wrote about ..read more

Michael Hagedorn, a highly respected American bonsai artist and author of Bonsai Heresy and Post Dated, just posted some excellent photos he took at the recent UBE Expo in Madrid. I've picked three of my favorites. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. Itoigawa juniper. There's a lot going on here, with such a wild, free play of  fluid movement. I think the artist was fearless, not to mention skilled, when he or she set about to transform so much living tissue into dead wood. This one, which Michael calls simply Chinese juniper, is another tree where ..read more

We've got a New Bonsai Roundup for you today. Enjoy! We found this sterling Silver Fir at Bonsai Mirai. Here is their description:  Pacific Coastline - age: 100-250 Years - size: Large - collector: Jason Eider - potter: Byron Myrick - initial creator: Eric Shikowski - availability: Private Collection. This magnificent Coastal redwood in an upright weeping style was styled by Eric Schrader. We found in on FB at Bonsai Society. I've seen full grown Acacia along some highways in costal California, but I don't think I've ever seen one ..read more

We've got some rough and ready bonsai and some others that are a bit more elegant. All by Walter Pall.  I love everything about this tree. The lovely spring leaves, the pleasing shape of the crown, the profusion of rugged and distinctive trunks and and visible lower branches. And of course the powerful nebari. Here's Walter Pall's caption, "Japanese maple #30. About 65 cm high (26"). Pot by Walter Venne. Tree is originally from a cutting in a nursery in South Korea. It was imported to Germany in May, 2021." Here's a beefy Oriental hornbeam by Walter. No leaves so you can see the pr ..read more

We've rounded up a few trees by various artists for your viewing pleasure and hopefully inspiration. If you'd like to explore any on your own, there are links way below.  David Benavente seems to present an endless train of brilliant bonsai. Most set in his perfect (yet relaxed) Bonsai Studio garden wonderland.  Another one from David Benavente. Here's the caption, "New available. Wild olive, wild bonsai. Just restyled by Pablo Comesaña."  Here's one that was posted by Moyogi Chris at the Bonsai Club Eda Uchi Kai on FB. Here's the caption, "A species not seen every ..read more

We've got a four photos today from American bonsai artist Mark Arpag. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. Chojubai dwarf flowering quince by Mark Arpag. I know this Beech belongs to Mark Arpag and that I got it on FB, but now I can't find what Mark wrote with it. Anyway, I like its natural feel and simple beauty.  Mark doesn't mention the variety, but he did offer this message on Dec 25th.   Peace, Joy & HarmonyToday & every dayMerry Christmas  I guess we're a little late with this, but it's a lovely photo and the sentiments in the first two lines could extend ..read more

We've got a treat for you today: a few trees by Dave De Groot and a few teaser pages from Dave's Principles of Bonsai Design (still the best how-to bonsai book we've seen in a long time). This colorful Japanese winterberry belongs to David De Groot. Here's his caption, My little JAPANESE WINTERBERRY (Ilex serrata) is still very much in development but is showing some Holiday Cheer. Here's Dave's caption with this one, My Mugo Pine is getting into the act with a "Three Friends of Winter" display of the Mugo with a small Ume in a Bamboo container. Dave decides to promote h ..read more

We're featuring just one tree again today. It belongs to Michael Roberts, a Southern California bonsai artist. Here's Michael's caption, "30+ year old twin trunk Cork Bark Elm prepped for the Baikoen “winter Silhouettes” show this January 13th & 14th from 10-5 at the Los Angeles Arboretum.  Hope to see you all there." Before and after trimming from back in August when it had leaves. You might notice how much light comes through in the after shot. John Naka's axiom about enough space for the birds to fly though was well heeded.   Sources:  Michael Roberts on ..read more

We've got some super trees in perfect settings by Andres Alvarez Iglesias. The photographs are courtesy of Santi Lorenzo Borda, and according to Andres, "They are wonderful as always." No IDs are provided for the trees, so you'll have to enjoy them nameless.    Here's that little companion piece in the photo above.  Another of Andres' trees. Everything about it suggests Ginkgo.  Muscular! We could guess, but we won't. Can't quite make out the little complimentary piece.... ... but this might help. Here's Andres' caption with this one, There are trees tha ..read more