Roughs and Compositions

I've been thumbnailing the final image ideas to make sure that I'm thinking about the composition, depth and value of the images. I want the torture tools to be the main focal point but I want them to be in a setting. Through this, I want to demonstrate an understanding of the lino cutting process and mark making methods.

I roughed up six different ideas for each and circled the best ones or the ones that I feel have the most potential. I want them to work together as a cohesive series, but obviously don't want their layouts to be too similar. So in some cases as with the smaller tools that will be in a dungeon setting, I've tried to come up with variations on the composition to make sure the images aren't repetitive.

Garrote - Scaffold setting / public courtyard / surroundings being buildings. Sky/clouds

Gibbet - Landscape - Sky/clouds and land / hills

Thumbscrews - Table top in dungeon, Stone wall bg, barred window and chains on wall

Judas Chair - Dungeon corner, stone walls, archway shapes, dark shading looking dingy - other tools hanging on wall?

Pear of Anguish - May look similar to thumbscrews. More table surface on composition, (less height) more tools on wall, neck torture & other mutilation / flogging tools and equipment.

Scold's Bridle - Resting on step / w placard. Texture of ground, dirt / weeds, wooden step / platform and stone wall.

I'm looking forward to refining these sketches for lino cut. I think I can apply what I've learnt from the Holbein cut and translate it into my own illustrations.