I have continued searching for imagery similar to the type that I hope to produce.

The Book cover below uses a dark royal blue and a contrasting worn, light brown in the background to give the impression of the sea.

I find it interesting that the designer chose to only show the whales tail, as this is all that is needed to suggest what the book/story is about.
I have included this next example on my blog because I like the delicate, detailed illustration of the symmetrical birds of paradise. Also the 'sailor' title printed in complementing soft colors, doesn't steel focus.
This next image has been included because the printing and colour effect of the type creates the illusion of rough sea weather which also helps express the title.