The students of Connie Raphael formed the Connie Raphael Bonsai Study Group in 1975. Connie was one of the early bonsai pioneers in Seattle and was instrumental in the formation of the Puget Sound Bonsai Association. Composed of people interested in the art and culture of bonsai, it has explored many phases of the art. Recently the group created a tool to assist in the development and refining of established trees. A Criterion was established for six styles, Formal Upright Informal Upright, Slanting, Full Cascade, Semi-Cascade and Windswept. From this work critique forms were made to use when looking at the tree. Eight categories were determined for evaluation. Points were distributed to each category for a total of 100. Trees were then examined to see if they met the criteria of that style. Working with this process at its meetings the group found the critique to be extremely helpful in the refinement of their trees.

The discussions ranged far and wide but always returned to the need for a critical review of a tree if progress was to be made in developing finished bonsai. In our discussion it was decided that if a tree reached a certain point level it should be recognized as an outstanding example of that style. To honor this achievement the group decided that an Award of Excellence should be awarded to those trees that reached a point total of 85 out of a possible 100 points. Awards of Merit would be given for trees reaching a point total of 75 or higher but not reaching the 85-point total.

At the Puget Sound Bonsai Association Spring Show the group offered to critique trees that the members brought in for display. Three members of the Study Group did the critique and the results were given to the owners of the trees. The hope is that a discipline of this type be utilized to help members further improve their trees. The system is not cast in concrete and suggestions are very welcome. The Connie Raphael group intends to continue to develop the process and expand it to include other styles. Work on Criteria and Critique forms for the Forest Planting Style is now underway.

Several critical areas that are easily corrected were noted on a number of the bonsai critiqued. The apex being not well formed or out of position was noted frequently as was the overall silhouette. Branch defects were also noted as not being at the correct angles and either too long, short or in the wrong place. These common defects can easily be corrected once they are identified which a careful critique will accomplish. We all need to look at our trees more carefully as we continue to refine them.
We hope that the members of PSBA whose trees were critiqued will be able to develop better bonsai as a result of our efforts. We will welcome the opportunity to again be of assistance in this fashion if PSBA so desires.

Sincerely,

The Connie Raphael Bonsai Study Group