So, why not?

This is a pretty straightforward, but fairly boring, image of some succulents. I took it because I liked the graphic lines. Could I leave it alone?

Well, no.

Does it look real? Of course not, but who cares?
This impressionistic version accentuates the lines that attracted me to the image in the first place.

I Love Walking in the Morning

We usually start out when it is still dark and watch the sun come up about half way through our walk.
But, when it is especially cold, we often start out a little later. This particular morning the sun was just coming up as we stepped outside. I have taken a version of this tree in the sunrise many, many times. I do not ever get tired of doing it. There was a little fog hanging around which served to enhance the colors of the rising sun.

I really like the shape of this tree with all of its flowing, leafless branches.
Just perfect for me to play.

I think this would make a great starting point for a composite image. Mmmm...or maybe...just like it is with just a few enhancements.
I wonder what gold leaf would look like on some of the colorless sections of the tree trunk and branches?