chroma challenged and seeking suggestions

[kyi_72]

i have been switching between these two pieces and while i like the compositions and the basic colors i feel stuck. it seems that once i get to the coloring phase i'm like a lost frog in a big city. suggestions would be greatly appreciated. the image with the severed head takes place during the day, the other image is takes place at night although it culd be during daylight since she is coming out of hiding to stick her knives in someone.

[Vallera]

Great stuff,
If you ask me the first one should be using darker tones,
If you dont want to use darker tones try extensive shading, maybe that will make it look good, And If you can give a feel that there is wind in the air, That should make someone feel like they are in the picture.
Oh I almost forgot, Add some red to the air, blue is not the right color, Try using dar red tones.