Thats the wonderful thing about photography, it's the handlers choice to do what he wants.
Personally, keep the Aperature just like it is so the back ground is blown out. I would make a shutter speed adjustment to bring out more life like color on this gloomy overcast setting, or wait for some better days, making it a point to catch your photo in the morning sunlight or evening sunlight. High noon makes for very poor photo's especially when your getting artistic.
I think for what your trying to accomplish your on the right path. With some more practice you'll be just fine. I'm assuming you like the artistic aspects of photography based on your signature photo and your new found HDR work.