This is an ink wash technique. Basically, it’s mixing water with ink to get different shades of gray.

It’s applied with a brush, and that’s where all the challenge is. Brushes and I don’t see eye to eye.

There’s a test number 2 that you will not see because I messed it up pretty bad. I like to think it is due to the paper I used, but it is mostly due to the fact I have no idea what I’m doing.

The next test will have a background behind the character, which (I believe) shows the point of using washes. I could be wrong, though. It’s been known to happen.