For artists, the choice of color is essential in creating a unique and compelling work of art. Every color has its unique characteristics that can evoke different emotions and moods. Raw Umber has found its place in the artist’s palette is versatile and vibrant. In this article, we will explore this color’s use and significance in the art world, providing insights into why it continues to be a popular choice among artists.
Raw Umber by different brands
Find 3 manufacturer(s) of watercolors below. We’ve also compiled a list of our favorite art supplies here.
Raw Umber – Winsor & Newton
Raw Umber is a rich brown pigment made by the natural brown clays found in earth. It was named after Umbria, a region in Italy where it was mined.
| Color No.: 554 | Lightfastness:I – Excellent | Opacity:Transparent |
| Staining: | Granulation: Granulating | Sizes: 5ml tubes; 14ml tubes; Half Pans |
Raw Umber – Daniel Smith
This familiar rich dark brown earth pigment is semi-transparent with medium tinting strength. An extremely permanent inorganic color, it mixes well with sedimentary Cobalt Blue or Cobalt Violet for granular middle-value grays that evoke mood, lend depth of field and create form or spaces.
| Color No.: | Lightfastness:I – Excellent | Opacity:Semi-Transparent |
| Staining: 2-Low Staining | Granulation: Granulating | Sizes: 5ml tubes; 15ml tubes; Half Pans |
Raw Umber – Van Gogh
| Color No.: 408 | Lightfastness: | Opacity:Transparent |
| Staining: | Granulation: | Sizes: Tube 10 ml |
Tips when choosing colors
When it comes to choosing colors for watercolor painting, there are a few tips to keep in mind. First, consider the color wheel and how different colors interact with each other. Understanding complementary colors, warm and cool tones, and color harmonies can help you create dynamic and visually appealing artworks. Additionally, think about the subject matter and the mood you want to convey. For example, if you are painting a landscape, you may want to choose greens and blues for a calming and natural feel. Lastly, experiment with different brands and pigments to find colors that suit your style and technique. Remember, the color choices you make can greatly impact the overall look and feel of your artwork, so take your time and choose wisely.
Also read, watercolor essentials to see which colors are essential.
History of Raw Umber
Raw Umber and Burnt Umber are two common earth pigments used in watercolor painting. Raw Umber is a natural brown pigment made from the iron oxide and manganese oxide found in soil. It has a yellowish-brown tint and is typically used to create muted, natural shades. Burnt Umber is made by heating raw umber, which transforms it into a darker, richer brown pigment. Burnt Umber has a reddish-brown tint and is often used to create shadows and to darken other colors.
The use of raw umber and burnt umber pigments dates back to ancient times. Raw umber was originally obtained from the island of Cyprus, which is why it was also known as “Cyprus Umber”. The pigment was used in a variety of mediums, including frescoes, oil paintings, and watercolors. Burnt umber was developed later, as artists discovered that heating raw umber created a deeper, more intense color.
Today, raw umber and burnt umber are still commonly used by watercolor painters. They are versatile pigments that can be mixed with other colors to create a wide range of shades, from warm browns to cool grays. They are also valued for their natural, earthy quality, which can add depth and richness to a painting. A fun fact about these pigments is that they are also used in the cosmetic industry as natural dyes for hair and skin.
How watercolor paint is made
Watercolor paint is typically made from a few simple ingredients:
- pigments
- binders
- water
The pigments used in watercolor paints can be organic or inorganic compounds, such as minerals or synthetic chemicals. These pigments are finely ground and then mixed with a binder, which helps the pigment particles adhere to the paper when the paint is applied.
The most common binder used in watercolor paints is gum arabic, a natural resin extracted from the sap of the acacia tree. Gum arabic is mixed with the pigment to create a thick paste, which is then combined with water to create the final paint.
Other additives may be added to the paint to improve its performance or create specific effects. For example, some watercolor paints may include wetting agents to help the paint spread more evenly on the paper, or preservatives to extend the paint’s shelf life.
Watercolor paints are available in a wide range of colors and textures, from transparent washes to opaque and granulated pigments. Different
manufacturers may use slightly different formulations or ingredients in their paints, which can affect the quality and performance of the paint.
If you’re interested in learning about other colors, check out our pages on Burnt Umber, Vandyke Brown, and Sepia, which provide in-depth information on these colors and their various shades.