You have gone from detailed to emotional, which imo is a very good thing! Since your style is still evolving, I guess the next step will blend the 2 and you'll be amazing!
Kudos for that hard work, and for not giving up despite the issues you've got with your eyes, too!
Also yes, for most people lighter colors are harder to distinguish, so I'd suggest either make your lineart more pronouced or try to have at least a few deeper colors to enhance the rest 
In any case keep going, you're doing a great job!
