An impressive Sierra juniper(Juniperus occidentalis) transformation by Valentín Cruz. It was originally dug by Ned Lycett  

Before we start, we’ve got an update on yesterday’s post, thanks to Bill Valvanis (see below).

Here we go again with another exceptional before and after bonsai. I found it on the artist’s timeline. His name is Valentín Cruz and a couple hours ago I had no idea he existed. My guess is you didn’t either, but if you spend some time looking him up you most likely won’t forget him. By the way Valentín’s bonsai teacher is Jim Gremel, an artist we’ve featured several times over the years.

Before. It helps to start with a powerful trunk and lots of natural deadwood

After. Not bad

Yesterday's Japanese maple, which, thanks to Bill Valavanis, we now know more about than we did 24 hours ago. Here's what Bill wrote... "That maple is from SEIJI Morimae’s web shop. S Cube Bonsai. 70 years old. $2,300.00" Great price btw.