It's interesting that an accident forced you away from using black, because actually it is more natural NOT to use black in a painting. If you look around you, there are very few things in nature that are pure black, and most shadows will have a variety of colours in them. Since I've been doing more tutored art sessions and reading more about painting generally, most guidance steers us away from using black in painting.

Anyhow, I'm glad you had so much fun with this one - we certainly got rewarded for your efforts with all this bonus art. Your author must have been delighted!