Japanese pro Advice to students – How to draw shadows that make the character stand out from the background

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How to draw shadows that make the character stand out from the background

Student
Hello~, I added a character to the background I did and was hoping for some critique on the shading.
I wanted a more dramatic feeling so the light is coming from above the inner courtyard so most of her is in shadow.
Please let me know how it turned out, thanks again!

Student’s drawing

Teache
Hello!
The girl turning toward the courtyard background matches the scene beautifully! Her gesture and overall composition are very well done.
Here’s some feedback on the shading. Please refer to the attached image while reading. (Apologies for the slightly rigid lines—I used a mouse due to some issues with my pen tablet.)
When adding a character to a background, it’s important to draw the viewer’s attention to the character. To achieve this, make sure the character doesn’t blend into the background. Since this is a monochromatic illustration, “increase the contrast of the character.” Strengthen the highlights and deepen the shadows to create a more dramatic contrast. The clothing is the darkest element of the character, so shading it thoroughly will make it stand out even more.
This is shaping up to be a fantastic piece. Keep up the great work!

Teacher’s Advice

Student
Thanks for your time correcting! I
went back through and added the things I missed, bounce light, terminus, highlights in the hair and towel.
I’ll keep working hard. Thanks again

Student’s drawing

Teacher
Great work!
The improvements are clear, and your adjustments have enhanced the harmony between the character and the background while ensuring the character remains distinct and eye-catching. Your dedication is truly commendable—keep up the fantastic work!

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