This is my first really BG (one whic will be used in a game)
So here it is:
(http://img317.imageshack.us/img317/3789/moonm2mg.png)
I like the style! Looks somewhat flat I think. Maybe some shadows?
(Note - I'm an amateur)
Some moe detaiils would be nice.Also make why did you use red color for earth.Is that a volcano ??? And you could try without blur more details just like we said.
(note:also amateurs)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v458/evil1359/hms_bg.jpg
Just a quick paintover. Not really sure about the colors, but you haven't really explained it. Added a cast shadow and a highlight on the right mound and adjusted some colors and values. All around it's looking good. You've obviously got the idea.
I think the red rocks were fine. Of course, I live in Australia, where red rocks are not uncommon, but I thought it gave it an almost otherworldly feel. Of course, that's my opinion, stick with whatever you feel is best.
But wouldn't red rock also result in reddish sand?
Maybe keep the rock red, but change the sand to something more orange/red?
I think the really blue sky is making the red stand out more
Ok, i redraw the BG, lighten the sky and changed color of mountains:
(http://img276.imageshack.us/img276/7859/moonm3af.png)
I looks way too much like an oil painting, IMO. Even with the lighting, it still looks very flat. Desaturate the areas of the sky and ground that are farther away, and add some landscape to seperate the path from the horizon.