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I hate to be the Grinch who stole Christmas yet unless there was a works made for hire contract where the artist gave up all ownership rights to the work, then the artist owns the copyright whether it is with color or not. That is true if the work is registered or not and use of such work or derivatives of such work without given the right to do so, is a copyright violation and puts the person using the work at a good amount of legal risk.  

Personally, I think you should steer clear of using another persons work except as is allowed under a signed contract.   Doing otherwise could impact both your pocket book and your reputation.  If someone used my works without permission in a product in any fashion, I would take them to court. 

Just my opinion of course.