http://bonsaistudygroup.com/tree-of-the-month/june-2013-tree-of-the-month-contest/?topicseen

Above is a link to the photos of the before and after in the "Tree of The Month" thread.  It would be great to see more submissions and perhaps more categories like "Work in Progress of The Month" or something that was not on the banner but could encourage people to share their minor and major triumphs.  

Anywho, the Pinus rigida I styled recently was wonderful to work with and is one of a few species of native pines that pops adventitious buds all over the place even on old trees.   Styling the tree took about a day and that was partially due to my fear of knocking off all the deadwood and extremely flaky bark all over even the small branches.  I look forward to seeing the tree at the new planting angle in an exhibition soon.

Two issues that will need to be resolved are the branches between "Jake and Elwood" that are too dense at the moment.  Further shoot development near the base of those branches will be necessary before removing the thick parks at the tips in that area.  Also, I'd like the lowest branch on the left side to be about 4-6'' longer with another lower pad below the current one.  Branches were wired into position for that part of the design.  Now, we wait  .

That's a beauty John and Owen!  Thanks for sharing!

Wow, very cool tree John. Nice job with the styling Owen, good to see you were in our neck of the woods.

I mostly do shohin and more and more are trading in bigger trees for them but a few I won't let go - this one because I promised the person who gave it to me (kind of long but interesting story).
john

I'd love to see more of this tree.  I'd like to see the tree in person for 3 dimensional reference.  I toyed around with the photo removing the long leg on the left trunk just for kicks.