Earth Tones

Earth Tones: Pigment Descriptions

D224 Yellow Ochre

A synthetic pigment is used given that there is only one remaining quarry extracting ocher by mining in southern France, where the very best natural sources are said to be located. The earth tone of the synthetic version has proven to be brighter, clearer and several times stronger than natural ocher with outstanding lightfastness. It is also more transparent due to the absence of clay.

Color Index Name & Number:   PY42-77492 Synthetic Yellow Iron Oxide
Vehicle:   Alkali refined linseed oil
ASTM Rated:   Lightfastness I, SEMI/OPAQUE

D220 Raw Sienna

CAO uses only the finest sienna earths – this goldenrod pigment is similar to that of a dark ochre but with much more delicate handling qualities. Once the defining colors of the Renaissance, Siennas are valued in all techniques for their brilliant, fiery undertones.

Color Index Name & Number:   PY43-77492 Natural Yellow Iron Oxide
Vehicle:   Alkali refined linseed oil
ASTM Rated:   Lightfastness I, SEMI/TRANSPARENT

D276 Mars Orange

Naturally occurring colored earths provide superb, lightfast browns while the incorporation of synthetic iron oxides like the Mars colors can sufficiently extend the range while keeping with the integrity and affordability of the earth tones.

Color Index Name & Number:   PY42-77492 Synthetic Yellow Iron Oxide & PR101-77491 Synthetic Red Iron Oxide
Vehicle:   Alkali refined linseed oil
ASTM Rated:   Lightfastness I, SEMI/OPAQUE

D221 Burnt Sienna

A fine red-brown pigment, as a sienna it has long been valued for its clean color and transparency. Maximize its color clarity by mixing with other transparent pigments.

Color Index Name & Number:   PR102-77492 Natural Red Iron Oxide
Vehicle:   Alkali refined linseed oil
ASTM Rated:   Lightfastness I, SEMI/TRANSPARENT

D285 Transparent Red Oxide

This beautiful red iron oxide has a distinct undertone that makes it especially useful in portraiture.

Color Index Name & Number:   PBr7-12713 Calcined Natural Iron Oxide
Vehicle:   Alkali refined linseed oil
ASTM Rated:   Lightfastness I, TRANSPARENT

D211 Venetian Red

Commonly referred to as Light Red or English Red, this particular synthetic pigment produces a medium red shade with orange undertones.

Color Index Name & Number:   PR101-77491 Synthetic Red Iron Oxide
Vehicle:   Alkali refined linseed oil
ASTM Rated:   Lightfastness I, SEMI/OPAQUE

D284 Mars Brown

A rich, dark brown that neutralizes well when mixed with white.

Color Index Name & Number:   PY43-77472 Natural Yellow Iron Oxide & PBk9-77267 Tri-Calcium Phosphate & PR101-77491 Synthetic Red Iron Oxide
Vehicle:   Alkali refined linseed oil
ASTM Rated:   Lightfastness I, SEMI/OPAQUE

D223 Burnt Umber

A dark reddish brown with great tinting strength and hiding power. As a fast drier, Burnt Umber lends itself particularly to under painting.

Color Index Name & Number:   PBr7-77492 Calcined Natural Iron Oxide
Vehicle:   Alkali refined linseed oil
ASTM Rated:   Lightfastness I, SEMI/TRANSPARENT

D222 Raw Umber

A deep, rich brown – it shades with complex undertones and defines itself by the Latin origin of its name “Ombra”, meaning shadow.

Color Index Name & Number:   PBr7-77492 Calcined Natural Iron Oxide
Vehicle:   Alkali refined linseed oil
ASTM Rated:   Lightfastness I, SEMI/TRANSPARENT

*Note: Ultramarine naturally goes very stringy in oil and can often be erratic in behavior, other manufacturers make up for this by adding large amounts of waxes and other ‘stabilizers’. Sensitive to ever adding any filler in excess, our Ultramarine Blue is manufactured to achieve the extra intensity of the pure pigment. If you have worked with D230 and have a particular interest in seeing the formula altered to maintain consistency, or strongly feel that it should be left as is, we would appreciate hearing some feedback on the subject of reformulating. You can send all comments and inquiries to kwalsh@tricoat.com.

July 2009: It has come to our attention that the violet swatches above were previously mislabeled. We have identified and re-assigned the correct labels and pigment descriptions. We apologize for the mix-up and thank you for understanding.

Yellow, Orange, Red

Yellow, Orange, Red: Pigment Descriptions D277 Radiant Yellow A high intensity blend of pure yellow pigment and white, excellent for use as a glaze or to portray optical effects of light and shade. Color Index Name & Number:   PY3-11710 Monoazo Yellow & PW6-11710 Titanium Dioxide Vehicle:   Alkali refined...

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Violet, Blue, Green

Violet, Blue, Green: Pigment Descriptions D213 Phthalo Green The blue version of the popular Phthalo Green color, clean and bright with strong tinting strength and excellent transparency. Developed in 1935 it is one of the many high quality, stable greens developed around the turn of the 19th century. Color Index...

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Earth Tones

Earth Tones: Pigment Descriptions D224 Yellow Ochre A synthetic pigment is used given that there is only one remaining quarry extracting ocher by mining in southern France, where the very best natural sources are said to be located. The earth tone of the synthetic version has proven to be brighter,...

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Black, White, Neutral

Black, White, Neutral: Pigment Descriptions D200 Carbon Black An intense black that was traditionally produced by charring organic materials, thankfully newer methods have been implemented raising the standard of quality and enhancing performance characteristics. Color Index Name & Number:   PBk7-77266 Carbon Vehicle:   Alkali refined linseed oil ASTM Rated:...

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CLASSIC Artist Oils™ History

A History of CLASSIC Artist Oils™ “They were a rugged lot in the tradition of cowboys, mariners and arctic explorers. They painted signs on walls, great and small, and they worked like dogs. So they were called walldogs.” – From Ghost Signs, by Wm. Stage Everyone has seen them. After...

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