Bonsai ArtWhen I decided to create a page on bonsai art, I realized just how many bonsai artists are also artists in what is considered a more traditional manner - painting, drawing and sculpture.Some of following are talented people I've known for many years. All have artistic talent often influenced by bonsai. The ArtistsChad Beatty was at a Florida bonsai convention when I met him. Chad “works primarily in oils painting mystical and sublime scenes rich in symbolism.” However, influenced by his appreciation of bonsai he has developed an additional stream of artwork he calls Kiri No Ki.This Blossom Branch is one of my favorites:
Carl Rosner is an online friend of several years.
Carl was born, raised and still lives in New Jersey. Much of his work is painted on commission. He has created some very special art for several bonsai people including Jim Smith and Jim Moody. You may recognize this Jim Moody Brazilian raintree bonsai original. 
Bonsai hobbyists have crusaded for bonsai postage stamps for years ... the time has come! The US Postal Service has chosen five bonsai tree paintings by Hawaiian wildlife artist
John D. Dawson
to appear on
a 'Forever' five-stamp series in 2012.
Ernie Fernandez is a bonsai friend of many years. Sometimes it difficult to imagine the future of a newly styled bonsai tree.
Ben Oki, is an early student of John Naka and curator of the Bonsai Collections at the Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens in San Marino, California. He has been growing and teaching bonsai since 1958. He is also accomplished in designing gardens ... many with magnificent stone arrangements. He is one of the most requested bonsai teachers in the United States. After 50 years, Ben is still traveling and always brings his sketch pad. Sculpture or Real?This next artist presented somewhat of a puzzle and you will see why when you visit:Bonsai TreasuresTwo very important artists, who are no longer with us, can not go without being mentioned.
Joe Samuels was a fine bonsai artist and a self taught water colorists. For many years, his friends looked forward to his hand painted “Christmas cards.” Joe enjoyed creating these “quick sketches,” as he called them, however, he relished the many hours of creating larger works, even more. (Joe Samuels is also the bonsai artist who introduced
Ficus nerifolia to the bonsai world!) 
John Naka's quick sketches helped many of us through the early days of our bonsai experience. Many were donated, in honor of John, to the National Bonsai Foundation in Washington, DC In addition to those concept drawings,
John was an accomplished painter.
The Cheryl Manning site has many photos and stories about John Naka, including some of his art. Art or Craft?Facebook recently introduced me to Ken To who creates wire tree sculptures. I have added his work as an extension to this bonsai art page.Is it art or craft? I'll let you decide, see his page of wire bonsai trees! Did I Miss Someone?Of course I did! Please help me fill in the gaps!If you know an artist who deserves a place on my site,
please let me know. Top of Page
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Looking for something special?
This Month's
Feature Page. . .
A mini-convention is held annually by the Kawa Bonsai Society in a small town in Florida, with surprising results. Watch the video of 'Joy of Bonsai' 2012
Bonsai Beginners,
Don't Miss ...
There are a number of bonsai articles on this site. Two of them are especially good for newcomers.
The first is important advice from an old timer and has become known as
"The Stuff Article."
Many teachers and clubs have reprinted Ten Steps for their members and students. For reprint details contact BonsaiMary.
Before you buy your first tools, be sure to read it.
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