[Rolling Stone]

I think I would've been interested in a portrait view. (long end vertical) Perhaps standing a few steps to the right. That would've given you the road up on the right third and tree on the left third. And you would've been able to get the tree top in shot. If you have an opportunity to do so, give it a try.
Judging from the shadows, I'd say you were shooting into the sun, or what there was of it. That's difficult. Not necessarily wrong, just difficult. It leaves you with under and over exposures. One trick is to take 2 shots. One focused in the light area and another in the dark area. If you have imaging software (photoshop, gimp, etc) you just lay them over each other.
You also note that you haven't taken your camera out because of lack of sun. DO NOT let nature dictate when you can shoot. Gloomy days make great B&W's Overcast days really bring out colors. A photographer shoots through all of the elements.
It's a good first post. Go out and take some more. Post them here and learn.