Help with a value study please?

[juliepeelart]

Hi all! I am working on the concept of "trading lunches" for my octopus illustration. I found a composition that I am pretty happy with, but I am struggling to solve it for value. I was going for a lighthearted, beach feel, but when I make the water light, in my thumbnails, it looks like a big dark spider coming down from the left. Is that okay? Any help is appreciated!

[Will Terry]

@juliepeelart I would take your illustration - reduce it down - duplicate it a few times - maybe more - then try adding value in various ways...you might accidentally solve your problem through trial and error.

[juliepeelart]

@will-terry I will try that. Thanks!