A series of pictures to illustrate how the design might change after playing with image manipulations.
The Ficus benghalensis as it looked some years back, straight trunk and large leaves
Using some heavy wire the trunk was bent to create some movement in the trunk
The tree partially defoliated as it looks today
With Photoshop one section of the tree was removed. Is it a better desgn?
Yet, another piece is removed graphically. Is this one better?
Periodically I defoliate many of my bonsai figs. Doing this produces smaller leaves and makes the tree more showable. It also allows me to see defects or problems in the tree more easily than if leaves are covering the tree.
Ficus ‘ExoticaJS’ seen with all its leaves
After defoliation the structure of the tree can be seen and it is apparent that the right lowest branch needs thickening and more sub-branching while the left lowest branch is too thick and needs to be kept from growing too much
Here is one before defoliation with old, tired leaves. The appearance is quite messy and disorganized
The leaves are large, worn and old. So defoliation is undertaken.
Without the large leaves one gets a better view of the branching
After defoliation the appearance is much neater and looks more refined.
The new leaves will be red for a week or two after they grow in, giving it its common name.
2011, at the start not looking too promising
This is a pretty typical plant. Ficus rubiginosa, that one can purchase in a nursery. It has had little or no training and seems unlikely to develop into a bonsai tree.
First step a chop to reduce the height
Allowing growth
More growth, some trimming to shape, and wiring
2016, partially defoliated to encourage more twigging
At last one begin to see the potential bonsai emerging from its rather humble beginnings.
The first shot shows the tree with its various sized leaves. These are large but already reduced just by being grown in a small container.
Ficus benghalensis with leaves that are too large
The second shot shows the tree in a defoliated state. In this leafless condition the branching and structure can be studied and analyzed. The bunjin/literati style is now appreciated once the distraction of the large leaves is removed, albeit temporarily. Once the new leaves grow out they will be smaller but eventually the newest leaves will grow out as full sized and ruin the illusion once again.
Defoliated the bunjin character and style of the tree can be analyzed and the scale of the design is now appropriate
As a bonsai it is not the easiest of subjects as its leaves reduce but not extremely well. Branching is not dense so the growth tends to be rather open.
The red leaf color seems to be accentuated in bright light.
Leaves are large for this small sized bonsai
Leaves are attractive with a wavy edge and prominent main veins
The bonsai when defoliated shows the beginnings of proper structure for a slant style