The boring perfect green of the grass / leaves and plain blue sky really kills the atmosphere for me.  I don't really feel any sort of emotions or story looking at the latest versions - but the earlier piece without a bg I felt hints of journeying, mystery, silent companionship, desolation etc.

You are painfully right. I did a few quick color changes, but I think I'll need to fine tune them and the contents of the world to get the right mood. It's more like an outside photo-shoot and less of a quiet repose before continuing the rest of the journey.


I think I'm going to try to progress with the red, it's the most interesting to me. Also might help with colors.
Thank you for point this out.

Edit 5/31/15:

I think I had to leave the square canvas. Might change this a little bit later but right now it's fine.
Trying to flesh out some of the town the duo left and something to head towards.