Well, it took some finagling of shapes and colors but I think I got the bg elements down where I want them, at least enough so I can set up the shading.
Doing backgrounds first when coloring pieces certainly helps me blend the characters in the elements more - Ive found that when I work in the opposite fashion, the characters always look misplaced. in this fashion, I can at least see where or how the characters are interacting with the background. It really helps lay out colors a bit more smooth and having to try and work the bg with the shaded color elements.
just art thoughts.