It is Senior Citizen's week and I'm off to set up a room for a Painting Workshop to be held at the Discovery Centre. With arts on my mind I thought I'd try the effects tool on my camera. This used the "soft" effect. Not sure if I like it or not but in comparison to the other couple of shots I took it seem to appeal the most but I obviously need to experiment more when I have more time.
Excellent subject for texture. Perhaps what is not "selling it" for you is that the shaggy bark looks too soft? Maybe you wanted that sharper? I think the softness is perfect for the background. And I really like the colors.