What is umber color?

Umber is a natural earth pigment consisting of iron oxide and manganese oxide. It is a dark brown or reddish-brown color that is commonly used in painting, particularly in oil and acrylic.

There are two main types of umber: raw umber and burnt umber. Raw umber is a natural brown pigment with a cool, greenish tone, while burnt umber is a darker, more intense shade created by heating raw umber.

Umber has been used as a pigment since antiquity, with evidence of its use dating back to prehistoric times. It was commonly used in ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman art, as well as in medieval and Renaissance paintings.

In addition to its use in art, umber has also been used as a dye and in the manufacturing of pigments for coloring ceramics and textiles. It is known for its earthy, natural tones and its ability to create rich, warm colors when mixed with other pigments.