I've tried to shoot gnarly old trees too because they have so much great character but you really nailed this one. The lighting must have been just perfect for you because not only did you capture the detail in the foreground, you managed to bring out all the fine details in the branches which really makes this image pop! Absolutely stunning!
gnarly oak! by far one of my favorite plants.
the full use of frame is outstanding and the repetitive forms of the shrubbery contrasting the hills is fascinating. nothing eerie here. fine photo.
This is one of the most interesting single trees I've seen, it's fabulous!! It does look rather eerie to me, in fact I get the feeling that those twisty branches are actually starting to reach out from the screen to grab me and pull me in...I love it! Top notch processing too, the detail of all those little bare branches is wicked :-)