In this photo series, renowned bonsai artist Craig Coussins styles a Hinoki Cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa) at the Mid-Atlantic Bonsai Societies Spring Convention, April 2004.

More of Craig's demos from this Convention can be seen at his website BonsaiInformation

Craig talks us through the stages of styling this tree;

"Hinoki Cypress 34 inches high.

The branches were long and foliage was mainly at the ends.

I removed about 15 inches from the top

I needed to shorten the tree as I was going to develop the structure as a smaller image

Finding the tree in the bush was indeed a challenge.

I wired everything including the small twigs. Covering the branches with Vet Wrap for protection on thicker branches.
I wrapped the branch then applied two long wires for support. I then wrapped that and finally wired the branch.

I also used some self amalgamating electrical tape for support wiring

I used around 5 or six pounds of wire and the wiring took us around five hours.


 

Now the pads start to take shape
 

The front of the completed Bonsai

I wanted an elegant image of a large mature tree. Was it achieved?"