Also, does moss grow outside of water? Assuming I spray it ever now and then?
If part of the goal is to have a deep perspective, then large trees should be up close and smaller ones in back, similar to the pictures Mathman posted.Put the bigger trees farther back, and the smaller trees forwards
I wanted to create perspective - which is why large tree is in front. However, I was also looking to place the two large trees in the "ideal" locations using the rule of thirds.If part of the goal is to have a deep perspective, then large trees should be up close and smaller ones in back, similar to the pictures Mathman posted.
Do not ever use the rule of thirds in 3-dimensional works; it leads to static-looking arrangements. Due to the number of trees, you'll have to visually balance each element starting with one main tree (left-right, fore-aft), and then using another tree to counter balance it. This assumes the style you laid out with the open arrangement of wood.I wanted to create perspective - which is why large tree is in front. However, I was also looking to place the two large trees in the "ideal" locations using the rule of thirds.
Do you think flame moss would be okay on the branches that extend outside of the water? I don't have it yet (it's being shipped), but I assume most moss is a little droopy when outside of water.
Do not ever use the rule of thirds in 3-dimensional works; it leads to static-looking arrangements. Due to the number of trees, you'll have to visually balance each element starting with one main tree (left-right, fore-aft), and then using another tree to counter balance it. This assumes the style you laid out with the open arrangement of wood.
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One way to practice this balancing act is to move small stones on a sheet of paper (or a bed of sand like those tabletop zen stone gardens) to find the best arrangement. The size of the stones can represent the size of the trees. You should have this stone/paper arrangement in your view throughout the day so that any slight unnaturalness will become obvious the longer you look at it.
About flame moss, if you search for aquascape trees using it, it looks unnatural as real trees just don't grow that way. Riccardia chamedryfolia, coral moss, would look much better as it grows in compact clumps. Fissidens fontanus can also be trained to look like real leaves.
(The arrangement of the stones in that picture is terrible, btw.)