Initial sketch of the idea gives the overall scene but there is need to rearrange the elements for more detail and expression.

Sketch more developed with less emphasis on full giant other than used as a background with the house. Decided not to include the gold pieces and magic harp from the story, but I really want to make sure I include the hen that laid golden eggs somewhere. More opportunity for facial expression.

After gleaning reference for faces, era-appropriate clothing and balancing main characters to the narrative of the plot, i.e. giant, deciding the degree of and composition for the important beanstalk elements, the stump, axe, etc. And don't forget the golden hen! This is pencil on gessod board that I digitally edited to change the beanstalk composition.

Established pencil and in-process of warm mid-tone wash. Starting to lift highlights. Washed in rough acrylic in ochre, some green and raw umber. Suggesting the highlights in a peach colored pencil rather than white to keep those areas warm.

Bringing in colors and the fun part of sculpting the forms. Pushing back the shadow areas and lifting up the highlight areas. I work back and forth through the process with acrylic and colored pancil to recede the shadows and bring out the highlights.

Final arrangement. Really liked the rendering of the axe... and did you find the hen? Animals have a charming way of being dispassionate about human frailties..."just give me the food"...