While observing the current state of "Birch Ballet," I had a compositional epiphany. Although absent from the reference photo, placing a fallen tree in the composition, representing a horizontally-oriented object, can add harmony to the otherwise vertical orientation of the birch trees and grasses.
Here is the current version of the painting:
You will notice that I haven't placed my horizontal object yet, but wanted to communicate this opportunity if your painting appears to be "missing something" but you cannot figure out what that "something" is! Fallen trees, horizontal branches, sticks, gaps in the grasses, rocks: various items can break up the monotony of the composition and lead to a more pleasing work of art.