By converting to black and white the noise in the sky really stands out, and the centered composition here just isn't exciting. Not enough separation and contrast in this image to make the eye really investigate the details. Keep trying!
what an interesting image you've captured here. that tree almost looks downright scary! it may just be the lighting. anyways, i hope you're getting some good comments and suggestions, and that you're not getting overlooked in this monster challenge. good luck!
The B&W conversion confuses me with your title. You may have had more impact in colour with the greenery surrounding your main tree. I find it too busy for my taste. Good Luck.
Good scene - great tones, the black and white works well. The sky is a little noisy and the background at the bottom is a little busy, I'd like to see the tree isolated a bit better. But overall a good job on this one.
You should have everyone give you their interpretation of the cloud shape - I'll go first: uh, Pegasus or a Griffin - no, wait! It's a woman on her back doing some sort of leg aerobics! ;-) Interesting shot. A little too dark in the foreground maybe.