Naka famously advised his students not to make the bonsai look like a tree. Instead, they should make the tree look like a bonsai. He believed every specimen has a "front" hidden within its trunk line and root base (nebari). The artist's job is simply to reveal it. The Human Connection
If you are looking to study the material digitally, you have a few reputable options:
Mastering the Art: A Deep Dive into John Naka’s Bonsai Techniques john naka bonsai techniques 2 pdf
: Spanning over 440 pages, it acts as a comprehensive encyclopedia of the art form.
Unlike Volume I, which covers fundamental horticulture and Southern California-specific care, Naka famously advised his students not to make
: Check AllBookstores or eBay for used copies, though be prepared for high prices due to its status as the "bonsai bible". Key Content in Volume II
The book emphasizes studying how weather, gravity, and age affect wild trees (e.g., lower branches angling downward due to weight) and mimicking those effects. The artist's job is simply to reveal it
Finding a legitimate PDF of Bonsai Techniques 2 can be challenging, as it is a protected, copyrighted masterpiece. Many enthusiasts seek digital copies for convenience and to study Naka’s intricate diagrams in higher resolution.
Use of hints to understand negative space and balance. Deadwood Art