The Bistre (Brown) Technique 

The Bistre Technique establishes tonal range quickly. Using only one pigment color (I use Gamblin's Transparent Oxide--a Warm Earth Red--think Rust), the vaqlue range is established by using varying viscosity of mixtures of the same color (Thin, Not so Thin, and Not Thinned) to produce Mid-tones, shadows and highlight. This technique produces quick results that dries in a day when used with a drying Medium.