Nice grad background and colour, but the 'ducks' in a row composition isn't terribly compelling. Watch the tension at the edge of the frame, too (shadow on the right). A tighter arrangement and crop would have given the shot more drama and given you the opportunity to experiment with simulating the colours reflecting off each other. Use the blur tool a little to soften artefacts (particularly on the purple apple). Soldier on.
While I think I understand your reasoning behind the colors, I'm not sure it really adds to the photograph. Perhaps if they were smoother or softer. The shadows are nice.
fitting to the challenge, for sure. I guess people won't like the photoshopping - though what bothers me more than the colouration os the shadows - they're just too neat looking to be real.