I have taken several pictures to Staples and had them enlarged up to 6 feet and more. Then I tape tissue paper and trace the images so I have a pattern to use for each part/color. One of my quilts (Monet's garden in one inch squares) took second and third prizes for Best Wall Art Best Original Design and another (a NW Indian totem design bear) took a first for original design (these were viewers' choice not judges' choice). I've made a Madona and Child quilt this way, a dragon (designed by a grandson), and others. They were fun to do and I'd tell anyone interested in doing something that has meaning to them or to someone they care about to GO FOR IT!

Craftsy.com has an online class for Pictorial quilting techniques, but I don't know if it would be helpful for your project.

My passion is landscape quilts! I generally use photographs enlarged to the size of quilt I want to make. Then I trace all the elements from the actual photo. This tracing becomes my workable pattern. Once I have the basic design, I flip the tracing paper over and start tracing my individual pattern pieces. I use Steam a Seam2 on the applique pieces since I can stick them to each other without fusing. And remove them or replace them if needed. I use a design board as I create the landscape so I can stand across the room and see how it is coming together.

i just did one but with a deer instead of people. get the back ground cut out and dive in from there. that is what i did. batiks in the right shade can be helpful for adding texture and shape i found. granted mine was very basic. but it is a start. add pics as you go so we can see the progress.

One thing to keep in mind is the perspective ratio. Items farthest away from you are smaller. Proportion is also very important, trees have to the be the right size in comparision to the other items etc. One thing that helps is get some coloured construction paper and "make" your quilt with paper changing the size etc of your paper patches as you go.You will be ready to cut fabric and not have to worry about making mistakes and wasting fabric.

Great discussion. Great ideas!