The Art of Bonsai Project

Thank you Vance.
I am enjoying the inculturation process, though I partially agree with you about the father of the modern art form of Impressionism.

I agree with your comments about art, regardless of the medium used, that it is an evolutionary process, no matter what form. Point well taken.

Rob, when combining "Principles of art" with a few "rules of bonsai design",
are these rules now cast in stone?
There seem to be two types of rules; the first one to satisfy the way trees grow and the second to satisfy humann perceptions of aesthetics. Of these two sets of rules, which is the more important?

I usually go by my universal rule for bonsai, in my opinion, it is the only rule.

The end result must be visually pleasing.

The path taken, the techniques used, the tools applied, the mind set behind it, the clothes worn, the teacher, the learning process, the time in bonsai, the number of trees owned, none of these things matter.

Who cares that the Mona Lisa is small and painted on a board? Who cares that Picasso broke all the "set" rules of art? Who cares about the European Avant Garde?

I care about the end product, the art, not how many rules were followed or broke to achieve it.


The first moth is more better visually because the two light upper dots are closer to center the focal point and do not draw the eye outward like the ones on the second moth. ;)

Will

The reason being to have a visually pleasing outcome....