The shading looks just fine to me, PunKyGurl. Those pictures are of stand-out quality, the dragon in particular. Gotta admit it: I'm a sucker for a well-drawn dragon! Good job on the musculature: the beast's physical architecture is entirely believable. Quite well posed, too. Very pleasing subtle colors in the carnivale costume. I too think the mask is striking: clever use of the butterfly motif!