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Josef Rauscher Studio

Workshop / September 2017

September 2017 · Continuing work on our trees

We work on the deadwood, following the grain of the wood. · Photo 01 / 57
The pine is on the worktable as we discuss its next steps. · Photo 02 / 57
Before wiring, we look at the pine’s trunk line and branch structure. · Photo 03 / 57

In September 2017, we worked with Josef Burschl mainly on our conifers. Here I share the discussions at the trees, the work on their branches and the stages of development reached by our workshop group.

Josef Burschl · Josef Rauscher

View all 57 photos

The workshop at a glance.

Topic
Autumn styling · Wiring · Branch structure · Deadwood
Bonsai artist
Josef Burschl
Organizer
Josef Rauscher
Format
Workshop
Photo series
57 photographs

From summer growth to the next styling steps

In September, we look at how the trees have grown over the summer. Which shoots do we need to develop the structure, and where is dense foliage hiding the branches? Each participant discusses this with Josef directly at their tree. Those conversations guide the next steps.

The photographs show plenty of work on pines and junipers. We select branches, wire them and bring them into position. We keep stepping back to look at the tree and check the effect. On the pines, we retain enough healthy needles. On the junipers, we work with the positions of the foliage pads and the relationship between the live vein and deadwood.

I enjoy those moments when we stand in front of a tree together after the work. We can see what has changed and where we might take it at our next meeting.

Photos 01 and 02

We work on the deadwood, following the grain of the wood.
The pine is on the worktable as we discuss its next steps.

Photos 03 and 04

Before wiring, we look at the pine’s trunk line and branch structure.
Careful work among the needle clusters.

Photos 05 and 06

We select the branches that will carry the design forward.
Even with a large pine, the individual shoots deserve a close look.

Photos 07 and 08

At the tables, we wire, prune and keep checking the trees.
Looking at the trees in the garden is part of our time together.

Photos 09 and 10

The pine after wiring: its trunk movement and individual branches stand out.
The densely needled pine before further styling.

Photos 11 and 12

The pine after work on its branch positions and crown.
We record the small pine’s current stage of development.

Photos 13 and 14

Our workshop group in September 2017.
A group photo in our Bonsai Kreativ shirts and jackets.

Photos 15 and 16

The small pine with its branches newly arranged.
The pine with a styled branch section and its upper crown covered.

Photos 17 and 18

A closer look at the pine’s trunk movement and styled branches.
The wired branches follow the striking movement of the trunk.

Photos 19 and 20

The small pine in the blue pot also takes its next step.
A juniper with pronounced deadwood and a pine over rock on the worktable.

Photos 21 and 22

The small pine after work on its branching.
This pine’s design extends down beyond the edge of the pot.

Photos 23 and 24

We tilt the pot to explore the possibilities for this pine.
Refining the branch positions of the pine over rock.

Photos 25 and 26

The slender pine after wiring.
We look at the slender pine’s current stage of development.

Photos 27 and 28

The pine over rock after our work together.
Working together makes it easier to hold a branch in position and assess it.

Photos 29 and 30

The pine after its long branches have been wired.
The curved trunk remains the defining feature of this pine.

Photos 31 and 32

We discuss the branch distribution of the pine in the wooden box.
The pine with its branches arranged after styling.

Photos 33 and 34

While wiring, we keep looking at the tree from its intended viewing side.
I work on the juniper’s foliage pads and branch positions.

Photos 35 and 36

The juniper after work on its crown and branch positions.
The small pine with its crown newly positioned.

Photos 37 and 38

Before pruning, we discuss which shoots we need.
The pine is wired for further branch styling.

Photos 39 and 40

The pine’s current stage after thinning and wiring.
The strong trunk movement shapes the design of this pine.

Photos 41 and 42

Two conifers of different sizes on the worktable.
Large and small: two trees after our work together.

Photos 43 and 44

Even on a small pine, the position of every branch matters.
The pine before further work on its crown.

Photos 45 and 46

Two of us work on the fine branches.
The pine after our work together.

Photos 47 and 48

Working on the deadwood of a deciduous tree.
The pine after wiring and arranging its branches.

Photos 49 and 50

The juniper before further work on its branch structure.
The juniper after styling: its foliage pads reveal the deadwood.

Photos 51 and 52

The small pine after work on its crown.
We explore how to incorporate the long branches into the design.

Photos 53 and 54

We discuss the pine’s next steps directly at the tree.
Another small pine from our workshop group.

Photos 55 and 56

The branches are arranged, leaving the pale deadwood trunk clearly visible.
We record the large conifer’s current stage of development.

Photo 57

One last photo in our Bonsai Kreativ jackets.

The photo series.

57 photographs

01We work on the deadwood, following the grain of the wood.
02The pine is on the worktable as we discuss its next steps.
03Before wiring, we look at the pine’s trunk line and branch structure.
04Careful work among the needle clusters.
05We select the branches that will carry the design forward.
06Even with a large pine, the individual shoots deserve a close look.
07At the tables, we wire, prune and keep checking the trees.
08Looking at the trees in the garden is part of our time together.
09The pine after wiring: its trunk movement and individual branches stand out.
10The densely needled pine before further styling.
11The pine after work on its branch positions and crown.
12We record the small pine’s current stage of development.
13Our workshop group in September 2017.
14A group photo in our Bonsai Kreativ shirts and jackets.
15The small pine with its branches newly arranged.
16The pine with a styled branch section and its upper crown covered.
17A closer look at the pine’s trunk movement and styled branches.
18The wired branches follow the striking movement of the trunk.