thank you both for your replies.
Not sure which one to go with just yet but I will definitely consider the amount of work they each might take, i tend to be over ambitious :\
Yea it is just meant to be some steam punkish fill in for the moment, maybe a boiler of some kind later. I’ll look at extending the frame down too for that scene, you’re right that it would be cool to see more of the city in valley below.
I like the first one better, maybe a few tweaks for composition and perspective and you’ll get it there, it has so much more potential, always think big !
I agree with Jamie, the first one is really promising. I’d spend a little more time on the composition for now, try to explore different options with quick black and white studies.
The sky is the limit, have fun!
Thanks so much for your feedback Jamie and Fabio, hugely appreciated!! I’m a little star struck … 
So I’ve had a look at the composition, trying to open it up a bit more and increase the ‘epicness’ without deviating to much from the original brief. I’ve tried to accommodate an area for the base plate in the foreground of each shot.
Love to hear your thoughts, personally just made myself more confused as to which to go for :rolleyes:
hey Jonah, I think the problem is that the composition (in all versions) drags you towards the distance, but then there’s nothing there; So if you could add a subject or more city or something there, all should be fine!
Hi jonah, nice work on the b&w studies.
I personally feel the bottom left one is the strongest so far. I like how that big element in the bg helps leading the eye inside the picture. Try to push this idea even further and play with some foreground/ midground elements as well.
There’s a nice painting by Dylan Cole that has a somewhat similar feeling. It’s an indian environment, with people taking a bath in the river. If you cant find it let me know and i’ll try to attach it here. If you look at it you’ll notice how your eye probably goes from the foreground element (the people) to that mg building and stops at the big structure in the background. Light and shadows also play an important role.
Keep it up!
Thank you for the invaluable feedback!
I did find the image you mentioned Fabio, it is a great example! Just how you’re pulled seamlessly from the people on the left to the mid city area and then to the citedel in the background … genius
So just posting the composition I’ll likely use, I’m imagining detail in the right corner to catch the eye first, then left to the tower, then right to the background structure. And light coming in from the left!
I’ll push on colour and re-integrate the plate next 
Thanks for the encouragement Jaime, much appreciated
Here’s another update, just exploring colours, light and design before I get into more detail.
Thoughts always welcome
Really feeling the ambiance of this place now! I like the warm tones of the sun, matches the description in the extract. Looking forward to seeing more! 
Looking wonderful Jonah, you’ve been chosen for this week’s WIP of the Week for this challenge, keep it up!! We usually promote on Facebook, Twitter, and sometimes LinkedIn! Here’s your post on FB CGSociety page:
Thank you all so much for the comments, they’re all sincerely appreciated! Its great to hear that the piece is heading in the right direction
@ David: Thanks for the WIP of the week too, hugely appreciated and humbled!!!
I’m off to hunt for some good photo resources now
So I have an update! Its still quite early days for the details but I’ve been laying in textures and trying to get things to sit without losing the feel of the previous concept or the sense of light and depth, I haven’t matched colours or detail level of the photo elements yet.
Love to hear your thoughts!!
Looking good, nice colours and good to see another Adelaide entry!
Have you done a perspective overlay on this yet? The original plate buildings and many other elements are all pointing to different vanishing points, but I expect you’ll probably get around to that once you finish the concept and start the matte painting.
I’ll post the perspective image again on my thread for anyone else who has issues with splitting the plate.
Good luck with the final piece.
James
Hi James, thanks for your reply!
I will look at the perspective with the reference plate you have made, that should be a huge help!!
Hi Jonah,
If it’s any help, from what I can see this is where I’m guessing your vanishing point is based on the left plate and other elements there.
http://s1201.photobucket.com/user/ATC125/media/perspective.jpg.html
The red lines are perspectives that are completely out. The rear hills and structures are about 3km high if you consider the horizontal line is the horizon.
As the Adelaide reps in the comp we better put on a good show hey!
Best
James
If I may add a word from myself… using one vanishing point and straight edges leading to it directly, makes sense only if you use it in something like a tunnel, with only parallel (or normal), flat walls and leading straight to this point. But it doesn’t have to be like this. And - if I interpret and perceive image and intentions of Jonah correctly - this is not that case.
By the way - this is a great vision Jonah. There is a lot of space to live in this city. When you match details to that vision it will be magnificent!
Regards
Jonatan
