Another option is to draw the picture on fusible paper using a Sharpie to make fat lines between the colors and creating room between the colored pieces.
Cut out around the pieces, iron them onto the colors you want, and then reassemble them like puzzle pieces onto a black background. You can then applique them down or stitch near the edge or live with fused pieces (which might not work if you plan to wash it a lot but would be okay for an art quilt).
Hope that helps!