The first is a has a very western feel to it, with the more dramatic clouds and only moderate negative space. The crop of the tree on the left almost works, but I find my eye wandering off left and wishing there was more tree there.
The second looks very asian, with the nearly flat sky, with just a few wispy lines, and the lone tree. Very simple and open, it feels about right to me. The image has space to breathe without descending to dullness. I prefer it.