Yellow Oxide | Matisse Studio acrylic paint

Yellow Oxide | Matisse Studio acrylic paint

Artists have used yellow ochre for at least 30,000 years, though the earliest cave paintings primarily feature red ochre. Some evidence suggests ochre use up to 60,000 years ago, with debated claims reaching 400,000 years in Zambia. Many ancient cultures, such as those in the Amazon, Australia and New Guinea, applied ochre as wet clay for body decoration in red, yellow, and white. Since this leaves no trace, the exact origins of human artistic expression remain unknown. However, for thousands of years, artists relied on a limited palette of ochres and black soot, with red and yellow ochre being the most well-documented pigments. Though “ochre” now refers to all earth pigments, it originally meant only yellow, from the Greek ochros. This colour remains a cornerstone of painting. If an artist could have only one yellow, ochre would be the best choice—not as vivid as Cadmium Yellow Hue, but more in tune with nature’s hues and essential for both figure and landscape work. 

Until the mid-19th century, natural ochre was the only option. Then, synthetic iron oxides, called Mars colours, emerged. Mars Yellow, now known as Yellow Oxide, is superior due to its purity and consistency. However, some manufacturers still mislabel it as ochre. Yellow Oxide is invaluable for mixing lifelike skin tones, as seen in the Old Master techniques. In landscapes, it creates rich browns, golden yellows, and a variety of lush greens. Mixed with Naples Yellow Light, it forms soft creams; with Burnt Umber or Primary Red, it yields warm earth tones. From ancient cave paintings to contemporary art, Yellow Oxide remains as fresh and vital as ever.

Safety Data Sheet for Matisse STUDIO Yellow Oxide (SDS)

To view or download a copy SDS, please  CLICK HERE * (271kb)  
*The above link will open an external Dropbox window