thanks for the cash Chris! :o))

the willow tree makes gnarly bits like that sometimes towards the ends of branches.

thanks Kerra :o) [and thanks Duracel for the border, green is my favorite color]
well it's several layers, you probably figured that though ;o]

first i blended the bg... then added the big branches on a seperate layer... on a layer beneath the big branches added muted colored smaller branches and leaves... then on a couple layers above the bigger branches i added the closer smaller branches and leaves, and brighter leaves on their own layer... then back to the bg layer and added a suggestion of sunlight on water to give distance... then above all that added a dodge layer for the shafts of sunlight and blurred the rays just slightly... then flattened all the layers and used the smudge tool on a small percentage with a very small brush, just here and there to smooth minor pixelated spots.

peace