Brightness/Contrast
It’s time to adjust the values. I intentionally do not adjust color balance because I want this to look as close to my original painting as possible.
Go to “Image” on the top menu, then “Adjustments,” then “Brightness/Contrast”
I move the brightness until I see black in the darkest part of the painting, which is the inside of the ears. Then I adjust contrast for the blacks as well. Click OK. Compare it with your original by using the History palette and returning to where you opened your picture. If you aren’t satisfied, try again and use either Undo or the History palette until you are happy with it.