What color paint is Ochre?

Ochre is a natural earth pigment that appears as a warm, earthy yellow to yellow-brown color in paint.

Historically and in modern pigment catalogs, ochre designates a family of iron oxide pigments that span from yellow ochre to red ochre and brown ochre. The color is derived from hydrated iron oxide in clay and earth; it has been used since prehistory and remains a staple for its warmth, lightfastness, and versatility. The exact hue depends on mineral content, impurities, and particle size, and it can lean toward olive, orange, or tan depending on mixing and lighting.

Types of ochre pigments

Common ochre pigments used by artists include three main varieties, each with distinct hue and applications.

• Yellow ochre: a warm, pale yellow to golden hue; prized for skin tones, landscapes, and as a neutral base.


• Red ochre: a deeper orange-red tone; used for earthy reds, terracotta, and sculptural highlights.


• Brown ochre: a muted brownish-yellow or olive-brown; often used for shadows and natural soil tones.

Ochre variants share a common earth-based chemistry and offer natural warmth that remains a versatile foundation in both historical and contemporary palettes.

Ochre in history and modern practice

Ochre’s historical significance and its continued use in contemporary art reflect its versatility and timeless warmth.

Historical significance and contemporary usage

• Historical significance: widely used in cave paintings and classical art for its permanence and availability.


• Color values and perception: yellow ochre sits on the warm yellow spectrum; red ochre leans toward orange-red; brown ochre is deeper and more desaturated.


• Mixing and techniques: ochres serve as underpaintings, glazes, or neutrals; they pair well with blues to create muted greens and with whites and blacks to modulate warmth.


• Modern availability: sold as natural ochre pigments or synthetic alternatives across oil, acrylic, gouache, and watercolor palettes, typically labeled as yellow ochre, red ochre, or brown ochre.

In practice, ochre's enduring appeal lies in its warmth, versatility, and historical authenticity, allowing artists to evoke sunlight, landscapes, and antiquity in a single hue.

Summary

Ochre is a family of earthy pigments ranging from warm yellows to brownish hues, rooted in iron oxide minerals. In painting, it remains a staple for warm neutrals, skin tones, and landscapes, available in natural and synthetic forms. Its versatility, historical resonance, and dependable performance keep it at the center of palettes from prehistoric art to modern design.

What color is replacing gray in 2025?

While there isn't one single replacement, warm neutrals like beige and taupe are largely replacing cool-toned gray as the new go-to neutral, according to industry experts. Other popular colors for 2025 include earthy greens and blues, along with rich, deep colors like Benjamin Moore's Color of the Year, Cinnamon Slate, a blend of plum and brown.
 
Warm neutrals

• Beige: Considered the most popular replacement, it offers a warmer, more inviting feel than gray and can be used in kitchens, living rooms, and more. 
• Greige and taupe: These transitional colors bridge the gap between cool grays and warm neutrals, providing a versatile alternative. 

Earthy and grounding colors

• Plant-inspired greens: Moss, olive, and sage are trending as they bring a sense of calm and harmony. 
• Deep greens and browns: These are expected to remain popular in 2025, creating a grounding and cozy atmosphere. 

Other trending colors

• Cinnamon Slate: Benjamin Moore's 2025 Color of the Year is a mix of heathered plum and velvety brown. 
• Sky blue: This color is also popular for its ability to create an airy and tranquil feeling, especially in bedrooms and home offices. 
• Future Dusk: This deep blue-purple was named the 2025 color of the year by forecasters at WGSN and Coloro. 
• Mocha Mousse: This is Pantone's 2025 Color of the Year, a warming, rich brown hue. 

What does the color ochre look like?

Ochre is an earthy, warm color that ranges from yellow to deep red, brown, and orange. It looks like a natural, clay-like pigment with a rusty or golden-brown hue, similar to the color of dried earth or rust. The exact shade depends on the amount of iron oxide and other minerals present, with higher iron oxide content leading to a more reddish tint.
 

• Yellow ochre: A lighter, more yellowish version of the color. 
• Red ochre: A darker, reddish version that contains more hydrated iron oxide. 
• Brownish ochre: The most common shade, which looks like a mix of brown, yellow, and red. 

Because it's an earthy and versatile color, ochre can be paired with many other colors to create different moods: 

• Softer tones: Off-white, gray, and cream can soften its intensity.
• Rich contrasts: Deep reds like burgundy, shades of purple, and even teal or aqua can create a more intense or edgy look.

What is the color ochre a shade of?

Ocher is an earthy color that is a shade of yellow, brown, or reddish-brown, lying between yellow and brown on the color wheel. It is a natural clay pigment containing ferric oxide, with its exact shade depending on the amount of other minerals present, such as manganese oxide, which can make it more brown.
 

• Yellow to brown: Ochre varies from pale yellow to deep orange or brown, with shades like "yellow ochre" being very common. 
• Reddish-brown and other variants: It can also be a reddish-brown or a deep red, and can even have violet or bluish variants depending on the specific composition of the earth pigment. 
• Natural and earthy: It is one of the oldest pigments used by humans and is considered a natural, earthy hue because it comes from clay mixed with sand and other minerals. 

What color goes with ochre?

Ochre pairs well with neutrals like white, beige, and gray for a soothing look, or with deep, bold colors like navy, forest green, and burgundy for a more dramatic contrast. It also complements warm metals such as brass or copper, and can be combined with other earthy tones like olive green or raw umber.
 
With neutrals

• White, cream, or beige: Creates a light, airy, and classic look that lets ochre stand out.
• Gray: Pairs well with both light and dark grays for a sophisticated and balanced effect. 

With bold colors

• Navy and deep blues: Provides a strong, classic contrast that makes ochre pop. 
• Forest green and olive green: Creates a natural, earthy, and harmonious palette. 
• Burgundy or deep reds: Offers a luxurious and bold combination. 
• Purple: Creates interesting warm neutrals or gray tones, depending on the shade used. 

With other materials and colors

• Warm metals: Use brass, copper, or gold accents to enhance ochre's warmth and add a touch of elegance. 
• Teal: Creates a retro or midcentury-inspired look.