GP, I like the second one better too. I think that the ankle deep water could be wee bit lighter, or maybe lower the opacity a bit more. It is a bit hard to tell that the floor is so close.

As for the labeling, you are trying to experiment with style and look, and labeling is all part of that. I believe that while you are working on a style, you should also be looking at what sort of labeling goes with that style. As you say, these are just be put out there "as is" for people to use and or critique as they will. And they will use then "as is" if they are so inclined. My suggestion would be to try labeling them, and if you want, post an unlabeled version along side the finished one.

I knoww this all might be a day late and a dollar short but there you go...