If you look at the 2nd tree from the left, about 1/3 of the way up, it appears the angle of ascent changes about 8 degrees. It's only on the left side of the trunk. About #3, they always just look like straight sticks to me. Like the ones that come with the artificial Christmas trees you mentioned earlier. And I hope you're right about more SolidGrowth stuff. Well, I guess we can put this very long thread to rest. Thank you very much for your help and encouragement, without which this scene would not exist. And, even though it's not finished, and my wife said, "that't not art," I am proud.