Game Scene Design Visual Reference

There were a few artist whom I admire and was inspired by their art style (art direction), mood, colour and tone. These several images posted below are visual references for how I want to create the look and feel of the game's scene design.

 Picture 1: Illustration from celesse of Deviantart titled "Hello Autumn". I like the way the artist paints the tree and the overall simplicity of the background and minimal elements in the composition. Image link: http://celesse.deviantart.com/art/Hello-Autumn-178970666?q=gallery%3Acelesse%2F11986&qo=49

 Picture 2: Game cover illustration titled "Prinny 2 - Dawn of Operation Panties, Dood!" by artist Takehito Harada. Though the vibrant colours is not what I want for the mood of my game, the art style is something that I can take for reference. With thin outlines and simple shading for the background and characters, it makes the illustration looks 'soft' with a more natural feeling. Image link: http://www.freeforpsp.com/free-game/action/201102/25139.html

 Picture 3: Illustration by Akitsu Taira. The mood and colours are similar to what I wanted, and background scenes can be a good reference although it is slightly too complicated. The overall illustration has sketchy lines and uneven paintings but still look neat as an overall composition. Image link: http://www003.upp.so-net.ne.jp/cowbell/

Picture 4: An illustration done in Adobe Flash by artist Johnsu of Deviantart. I like the way this artist draws using Flash yet able to achieve a complete drawing with decent shadings and background. The background scene can be used as reference for my game's scene design and style. Image link: http://johnsu.deviantart.com/art/Waga-Aibo-Death-kun-149837226?q=gallery%3Ajohnsu%2F37575&qo=41

Overall, all four pictures have a similar illustration style that is similar to what I had in mind. The overall mood and feeling of my game is more peaceful and less vibrant which is similar to Picture 3 and 4. Simplicity of background scene is similar to Picture 4, with probably more details in shading.