One

This certainly works for me, Harley.

The first thought that came to mind was that this is a metaphor for our life: Each of us stands pretty much alone, facing whatever weather comes our way, and we endure.

The tones in this are wonderful, and the composition is right on.

--P

Being a loner myself, I find the image fascinating.  The stormy sky was a perfect compliment to this lone pine.  Very nice Harley.  I think your sister needs an attitude adjustment.  Reminds me  of  Avett Brothers lyric "There is a darkness upon me that is flooded in light, and I'm frightened by those that don't see it. " Beautiful , moody black and white and a wonderful addition to your portfolio.

You have been on a single tree kick lately it seems, Harley, but they're all excellent shots.  There's a distinct loneliness to this tree set against that wonderfully stormy sky.

Quite the opposite compared to your previous post, b+w vs color, lots of trees vs no trees in the background, etc. I think they make a nice combi! This one has such a storng story attached to it, which you captured perfectly. Could really see this one hanging on my wall. I did my very best to come up with a nit, but I failed miserably....

 Hi  Harley      I  enjoy   your creative  compositions.    and also saw  the tension  of  the tree.  but it against the stormy sky

Albert Darmo
Canada

The little tree looks like it is about to be pummeled by a coming storm. This tells a story and the b&w adds to the story.

"One" is the loneliest number........at least in the Three Dog Night song.....

I really like this as it's presented, Harley. The B&W with resulting or impending storm seems perfect for this isolated pine. I too share in your thoughts or ideas on this type of image, I have a few similar ones myself. Looking at this I can only feel good about our possible upcoming cooler rainy season. Love the view here.....

There is a lonely feeling to the shot, but it is not disturbing to me.  The other leap I might make in interpreting the shot is that the end may be near for this tree, and that the wide open sky above is the next journey the tree may take, if one believes in that kind of thing.  Maybe some selective increase in contrast for my preference, obviously wouldn't want to lose the bright cloud detail.

My first thought upon seeing this was that it is an image that I would expect to see hanging in a museum.  The graphic simplicity allows the viewer to clearly interpret his or her personal impression of this.  My impression is one of defiant strength.

I think I understand at least part of the attraction to ridge lines and single trees (something I rarely see in the dense forest that surrounds me).  The simplicity of the subject allows the artist a lot of freedom to interpret it many ways without distracting elements in the frame.

I love the simplicity and positioning of the elements Harley.  The scene evokes a mood being alone but not lonely as suggested by the uplifted branches of the tree.  I don't find it disturbing at all and love the B&W tonal range. 

Most excellent, Harley, wonderful use of a single element, the tree, a sole survivor of many storms and yet to face another.