The relationship of the tree branches to the dark sky areas changes dramatically between these two versions.
In the top version the walkway, trees and the dark areas of sky feel like a frame, like one unit. In the bottom version I feel more action, more menace, and the boats take more prominence. The top feels presented to me, the bottom feels like I am approaching this and maybe even spying. Both are nice.
I made an Art Museum thread about the digital art question:
http://www.ablemuse.com/erato/showth...848#post338848