For this particular piece i chose to use slightly softer colors. Although the constrast of the black did make them appear quite vibrant, they really are soft colors. I chose there colors because i feel that these colors make the picture a little easier on the eyes.
I do, though, feel that the picture would have been slightly better if the lines could have been removed. In this case the hands would have somewhat blended with the background, and then the lines wouldnt have had that sharp effect that i am noticing as i type this.
unfortunately i was unable or not allowed, rather, to remove the lines although i wanted to.