Black and White Rowboat

Hi Marian.  This is a great idea.  I'm looking for something more out of it though... just my thoughts.  As it is, it's almost like the subject and leading lines of the image are keeping me from exploring it further.  I really think that the boat needs to be on the right side of the image, with the negative space on the left of it.  I also think it's claustrophobic and could be improved by simply having more space around it.  My own perception would be more on the bottom with the water reflections and ripples; but you know the scene better and your own interpretation of it, so take that for what it's worth.

One other note, there are a lot of middle grey tones, making it appear 'muddy'.  I can see you have pure whites and pure blacks, but you may try some dodging and burning in areas to make the subject matter stand out some more.  The tall grass on the left of the boat could be made a little more prominent by selecting it and working on it on a separate layer.  As it is, it falls into the background and gets lost, making at appear as though there is just a strange break in the boat.

One other note, there is no rule that says we can't spot and retouch nature.  There are a couple bright leaves in the bushes in the back, a couple bright grasses protruding from the water that touch the left side of the image and create a stopping point, and a spot or two in the water could maybe help also.  These things are all up to you to a certain extent, but I've posted my own 'vision' of what the image could be with about ten minutes refinement on it.  See what you think, hopefully something can help you.

Travis