Peter D. Adams (1) (1939–)

Peter Adams is without a doubt one of the finest bonsai artists alive. Classically trained as a studio artist at The Royal Academy of Arts, Mr. Adams essentially pioneered bonsai in the U.K. back in the 1950's. What distinguishes Mr. Adams is his unrivaled knowledge of horticulture combined with his grasp of bonsai aesthetics as expressed through Western art doctrines and his ability to communicate those two integral disciplines clearly and powerfully. Along the way almost every propagation and styling method is discussed. Combined with Mr. Adams' superb freehand drawings and photographic examples, the end result is a book I highly recommend-- nay, I command thee to read it. Look for the superb discussion of Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris)-- the most undervalued and underused species for bonsai.… (altro)

Peter Adams has achieved international stature as one of the finest bonsai practitioners alive. Classically trained as a studio artist at the Royal Academy of Arts, Mr. Adams essentially pioneered the art of bonsai in the UK in the 1950s. What distinguishes him both as a bonsai artist and author is his vast knowledge of horticulture combined with his grasp of bonsai aesthetics as expressed through Western art doctrines. His ability to communicate those two integral disciplines clearly and powerfully in his writing and drawing contributes to the value of his work.

Bonsai Landscapes is first and foremost a guide book. It is a reference from which bonsai enthusiasts can draw inspiration and salient information concerning the creation and maintenance of miniature landscapes. As is typical of Mr. Adams, the subjects are examined and discussed using the universal language of aesthetics rather than a culturally-oriented system of artistic ideals. When needed for emphasis or clarity, the author will of course make note of a certain form or composition that evokes an Eastern locale or style. However, he is just as likely to create the image of a British hedgerow or American rainforest when the material and potential allow.

Thirteen plantings of a wide variety of materials are reviewed by the author. A history of each planting is presented and consideration is given to the original artist's intent. Then the landscapes' forms are tuned and adjusted by Mr. Adams to create more harmonious designs. Mr. Adams' pen and ink sketches give a clear sense of the desired refinement for the future. Liberally sprinkled throughout the book, horticultural notes on the species used as well as viable design choice alternatives enrich the text. The reader is left with the notion that beauty in bonsai is not an end goal, but rather a transitory state through which the trees will rise and fall over the course of their lifetime.

Later chapters discuss topics such as tools and materials and sources for plant materials. In an especially helpful chapter titled ‘Styling The Plants’, the author outlines basic to intermediate pruning and styling techniques and why they are appropriate. Of particular interest is the chapter 'Making a Rock Planter' in which the artificial rock construction developed by Mr. Adams and Bill Jordan is described. Although some detail is offered, it would have been of more use if the descriptions went a step further and provided more in-depth instructions on textures and coloring of the cement. (Bonsai enthusiasts eager to try such a project can look to Chase Rosade of Rosade Bonsai Studio, New Hope, PA who regularly teaches these techniques in classes and workshops.)

The book concludes with a hands-on step by step 'how to' section about recreating each of the thirteen plantings. Each planting is carefully described and materials needs and their sources are fully and clearly presented.

This 128 page volume, a fine addition to any bonsai library, has been illustrated with Bill Jordan's excellent photographs.… (altro)