Ink and watercolor are both water-based media. Generally applied to paper, they have been used by artists for centuries. Ink is primarily a monochrome technique, using black ink, though you may also find colors like sepia brown or even bright colors like red and yellow. Watercolor provides a complete palette of color for the artist, one that rivals the palette of the oil painter.
Ink Wash
An ink wash is a way to cover a large area on the paper in a short period of time. Dip a brush directly into the ink and apply the ink either by blotting it onto the paper or in sweeping strokes. When the ink runs a bit dry in the brush, reload and repeat. You can also dilute the ink with water for a lighter wash. It's helpful to have a few small cups around to mix different concentrations of ink.
Watercolor Wash
A watercolor wash imparts color. Also, as watercolors are not opaque but translucent, you will not be able to achieve the darkness of an ink wash, though an ink wash can be diluted to the translucence of watercolor. For watercolor, a small dish with wells for different colors, available from an art materials supplier, is useful. Put some watercolor in one of the wells, add a bit of water. Use the brush to mix up the paint and water. Load the brush and sweep it across the paper, or blot it as you did for the ink to create a textural effect.
Dry Brush
Dry brush can be used for either ink or watercolor, and produces a rough, raspy look. Load the brush lightly with either ink or watercolor. Stroke it across the paper. The paint will run dry quickly, but continue to work the brush into or across the page. An irregular residue of the ink or watercolor will remain on the page.
Watercolor Pencil and Watercolor
Watercolor pencils give you the control of a pencil with the effect of watercolors. Draw your subject normally. Use a wet brush to blot it. The pencil marks will bleed into watercolor. This produces a stain-like effect. You can paint into or over that with watercolor paint, or continue to draw.
