Raw Umber | Matisse Studio acrylic paint

Raw Umber | Matisse Studio acrylic paint

Raw Umber takes its name from Umbria, a mountainous region in central Italy where the pigment was historically sourced. However, this naturally occurring clay-based pigment is found worldwide. Today, the finest artistic-grade Raw Umber originates from Cyprus, where a unique blend of manganese and yellow iron oxides lends it the distinctive greenish undertone favoured by painters. Interestingly, despite its Cypriot origin, the pigment is often labelled as "Turkish" Umber—perhaps a nod to Turkey’s long-standing association with rich and vibrant colours, much like the gemstone turquoise, from which its name is derived.

While Raw Umber is valued for its cool, deep brown tones, much of it is processed into Burnt Umber. The pigment’s characteristic dark hue results from both red iron oxide and manganese impurities, with the latter being responsible for its depth of colour. Though absent in the ancient cave paintings of Australia and Africa, Raw Umber features prominently in the 20,000-year-old artworks of Lascaux, where it was used to depict bison and horses with remarkable realism. Over time, its use has fluctuated—overlooked in ancient Egypt, yet indispensable to Renaissance masters and later dominating art during the "brown period" of painting. While synthetic alternatives have replaced many earth pigments, Raw Umber endures as a staple, particularly in landscape painting, where its versatility shines in mixes ranging from Hooker’s Green to deep burgundy and even black. It is also an excellent neutralizer, muting overly vibrant hues without dulling them completely, making it invaluable in fine-tuned colour adjustments.

Safety Data Sheet for Matisse STUDIO Raw Umber (SDS)

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