Hey guys, I think I've settled with what kind of art I want on the court cards. Since the backs are all made of unshaded solid colors and a clear two-dimensional look, I'm looking at something similar.
Here's something I found while looking through pictures:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3063/3076777461_0386a03d66.jpgWhat I basically want to do is similat in look to paper-cutting art, but kind of opposite in that I want it to be composed of many distinct shapes rather than one single piece per object/character. The idea here is to give it kind of a children's book illustration feel, but at the same time keeping the kind of mysterious look from the back design.
Colors will likely be very simple, but I'll try to have a clear color pattern between suits, for example having purple be the dominant color for clubs, red for hearts, etc.
In Wonderland, each suit has a distinct function; spades are gardeners, clubs are soldiers, diamonds are courtiers and hearts are royalty (Which is different from the traditional french pattern, but keep in mind that this whole world is imagined by a child.) I'll try to reflect this in the court card designs as well.