First Layout- Cave

At this stage the layout is still a bit rough and there aren't currently any layers to it.  This will be a problem for me when I come to animate it, so I'm taking steps to cut some layers out.  Another problem arrises when I do this, as there will be cut out shapes all  over it, so I'll have to fill them in afterwards.   Below is the image as it is now.

To be able to cut out the layers fairly quickly and accurately, I duplicate the channel which shows the greatest level of contrast between the lightest area (the back of the cave) with the darkest area (the front).  In this instance it was the red channel, so I duplicated it and then went into the curves level editor and increased the contrast to gain clear definition between the background and the foreground.  All though not perfect,  it creates a mask I can use to separate the major layers 

Now I'm left with this:

I have to fill in the background again.  

Post Production and update on confusion

Since January I have managed to get a couple for great bits of useful feedback from Neil and Peter.  I've feel slightly more on track and confident about what I'm doing...but still feel disappointed about not getting as far as I'd hoped to.  It's a shame the year got off to such a bad start, but think it's resolving now.

I am now going to start cutting out any layers that I need to animated the layouts.  Some already have them, but there are a few more to add.  I'm also using this post production stage to had details and clean up the layouts.  I'm also thinking about not putting much of a storyline in and it just being paintings.

I think I will possibly have a few different layouts after now, as I'm not too happy with the ones I have at the moment.  I'm also spending a lot of time coming back to older paintings to improve them.  I have found it interesting how when I've not seen painting for a while, how easy it is to see what I can do to improve it.

Hell and tree

New interior environment

This isn't finished yet!  I'll keep posting updates...with demons.

Images to support painting development

I've found some interesting images of some demon-like mummies!  I think I may just have to place some similar looking creatures in my paintings :D.

http://wtf.thebizzare.com/offbeat/science-and-technology/monster-mummies-of-japan/

http://wtf.thebizzare.com/images/monster_mummy_10.jpg

http://wtf.thebizzare.com/images/monster_mummy_2.jpg

http://wtf.thebizzare.com/images/monster_mummy_6.jpg

http://wtf.thebizzare.com/images/kappa_mummy_3.jpg

More inspiration

I think I've been at a loss for inspiration, or at least I felt as if something had sapped it at the worst time.  However, I'm not one to wallow in self pity...too much, so I've been thinking of themes I can use.  I am now creating images of a hell, changing the previous image to add more colour because I think it looks washed out and isn't what I like.  Below is what it looks like so far:

I'm interested in myths, folklore and religious iconography such as the concepts of Angels and Demons.  So the next few paintings will be something of this sort.