After hearing about the passing of Peter Adams I went back and pulled some photos of the workshop I took with him back in 2009 at the Golden State Bonsai Convention in Southern California.
The workshop focused on bonsai design with trees brought in by students. There was some confusion with the description of the class since only a few people brought in trees. Once it became clear that Peter was going to do an original sketch of your tree, people quickly went to the vendor area and bought something.
What immediately struck me about Peter was his artistic ability. Its one thing to see his beautiful sketches in Bonsai Focus but to see him create these amazing drawings in person, and so quickly, was really inspiring. In one instance he was sketching upside down so the class could see what he talking about.
The other thing that was hard to ignore was his sense of humor. Even though he called the US his home he still had that dry Britsh wit. Rather than a formal classroom environment, Peter was cracking jokes and making everyone enjoy themselves, he said “after all, bonsai is supposed to be fun.”
I think the distinguishing factor of a true bonsai artist is represented in someone like Peter Adams. His had the ability to see the true potential within a piece of material and then have the skill to bring those designs to life through his sketches. I am very thankful I was able to have spent time with Peter Adams, if ever so briefly, because I am now challenged to look for all the possibilities within a bonsai, just like he did.
Capital Bonsai 
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