I like the new one but dislike it at the same time. I think the checkerboard pattern is a bit jarring. You could use something similar, but break it up a bit more. Edit.

It's the cartoony-kind of bone. Edit: That's your dithering right there. :P

Interesting! Yeah, I'd say that works. : ) The only complaint I have now is that that ribcage seems a bit nubbly at the end, rather than pointed.

You seem to have the theory down. I think you are letting the word "dithering" discourage you from actually dithering, if that makes any sense.lol Itsnice and surreal.

Everything is quite nice, it seems ylou just need to work on your tone transitions a bit more

Yes, retain simplicity, but no harm in adding context.  So much room to add more detail to your already pretty landscape. 

Hooow about now? I want to retain the simplicity.

nice use of textures

Well, I get it, and it's quiet readable, but...it's boring. I think it could use something, well...happening? Some cacti, a lizard, perhaps a little oasis?

A skull lying in the sand?