Thanks for taking the time to look and comment, LT
Yes, that top element will be water. I won't make it as much a pattern as you see - the curves are to help me place light and dark while (hopefully) suggesting a bit of a Celtic weave pattern. Same goes for parts of the lower foreground, and maybe when I am into it some hair and such as well.
It is a good point however, to not get too caught up in the details. As I plan to explore swing a bit, details may become more of an element as more pieces are made. But, I often am a detail kind of guy, so if they happen they happen. Same with composition - I am playing a bit with elements as I draw it onto the canvas, so we will see how it turns out in the end.
Again, thanks for the look and the comments.