I'm another LaurieA ! I start by looking at the blank screen for ages, then I usually add a terrain, push it as far back as it will go without disappearing then go from there! But yes, lighting is THE most important bit. I was taught that, once you know what you want to do, start with the background, define the vanishing point and the horizon, then do the middle then the foreground. But with Vue you can do it any way you darn well feel like!