I aften struggle a lot with the initial composition phase and then the blocking phase. 
I often approach paintings as a background artist, which means I have to sort through my own mess of a concept and figure out how to layer and break down a piece and set myself up for an easier time painting further down the line. 
As soon as each section is blocked out then the real fun can begin and I can just vibe out and paint a bunch. Thankfully I'm hitting that point now! 

I've extended the shot to try and seperate the 'oasis' from city and wall. I reserve the right to completely 180 on that decision and bring the piece back into a square comp (which for some reason I love so much!) 

I'm taking a lot of inspiration from some of my favourite artists and pieces of media. 
I adore the shapes and strong colour blocking from Scott Wills and his work on Samurai Jack. I'd love to get some more of that strong stylisation in this piece if possible. 
For the city and the atmosphere; I've taken frequent inspiration from the game INSIDE by Playdead. The atmosphere and lighting in that game is present, dominating and powerful. I will need to make sure not to overwork details potentially breaking some of the larger stronger shapes. 

Immediate issues I see with the comp now that it's up on the progress page; The new tree shape isn't working and is acting against the other shapes. I will need to experiement here and see what works. 
The walls top line is wonky is aexactly the wrong way. I want to break up some of the direct lines in the comp but also have to keep them compositionally tasty! 

I'm currently in Germany and surrounded by plants and dappled lighting. I'm trying to spy on the neighbours vegatble garden and sketch some plants that I could involve in my oasis dock/pontoon! 

The piece overall still reads too dark (a continuouse issue I face) 
I will make sure to bring up the lights and really push them to emphisise the focal point of the lit atmosphere surrounding the oasis area!