Great sky, really liking those swirling clouds and sublte light on the water. Not so keen on the composition though, it feels too flat with no real foreground anchor point to draw me in and give depth to the image. I personally would have probably got a litter low down to the foreground flowers, instead of looking down on them.
Actually the first composition I shot was exactly as you suggested. While shooting I had the feeling that the foreground was overpowering the rest of the scene and It was cutting out much more of the ocean than I had wanted so I changed to this composition. When I downloaded the images my initial feeling was correct. I lost alot of the texture on the sea and the light reflecting on it. I specifically processed and shared this one over the other because to me the shot is about the ocean and the light playing on the water and the flowers acts as a frame and accentuate the coast. I felt the other composition was demanding to much attention to the flowers and grass in the frame and I did not want that. Just personal preference I guess
I was thinking the exact same on the light on the water to be honest... this compo is growing on me since I last looked. As you said though, it's all down to personal preference as well, still a stunning scene and keep up the great work man.
One method to capture a better composition is invest in a kodak ez share divine intervention ball head. You mount the camera on the head and put the camera on the "Jesus Christ Override" option in the cameras settings. Lay out a prayer rug and face east engage in some chants whilst burning myrrh incense & etching patterns in your zen garden. I have found this to be the most effective way to achieve an effective composition.