The result is BRILLIANT! Sorry for being so enthusiastic about a "mere digression". I just relate to it in a big way. I think all the processing you did made for a very elegant manipulation of the colors where they become more related. And the shape stylization is super. Perhaps this is my level of abstraction. Old illustrator, you know and love the story or point being made very clearly yet being also "out there" with the technique. A delightful balance between the various sensibilities. Love it.
"Not a bit is wasted and the best is yet to come. . ." -- remembered from a dream