This is a learning forum you certainly may use my artwork as an example. In that spirit I would add another thought...perhaps this is also what you are saying... the background should inherently point to and highlight the focal point of the art. The wolf. To me this is a building process where the introduction of one element leads to another. Wolf 2 in another post shows more of this process where every element has a specific purpose. Creating the entire composition is like a puzzle with, intentionally, some pieces missing. The artist has to create the pieces so that the whole thing fits together. After I try several different approaches, I sometimes come up with something that fits. But even this is a building process begging for improvement. Maybe 5 drawings later the concept clicks. An artist friend once told me to not be afraid to redo something that doesn't fit. She said rework when done immediately helps rewire the brain to a more profitable outcome.If I can (can I JayS?) use your artwork as an example, I'd get rid of some trees that may disrupt the view.., and I would have focus onto important trees only, the ones that could frame the whole art rather, and the wolf.
I loved the dog story.
I wouldn't worry, Jay. "Off-putting"? Possibly. But I think "disagreed with" is more likely. 