Light Yellow Ochre

Description

Light Yellow Ochre is a natural, handmade single earth pigment sourced from the Vaucluse region of France, produced through the ancient process of grinding raw yellow earth. As the lightest of the Vaucluse ochres, this pigment is prized for its soft, warm yellow hue and excellent stability.

This pigment has been processed through traditional drying, grinding, and levigation methods to achieve a fine, consistent texture. Light Yellow Ochre offers a gentle, earthy yellow tone that is both delicate and versatile, making it ideal for painting landscapes, portraits, and classical artwork. It has strong covering power, excellent lightfastness, and a natural harmony that blends beautifully with other earth pigments.

Compared to synthetic yellows, Light Yellow Ochre provides a softer, organic warmth, making it a valuable choice for artists seeking historically authentic and naturally occurring tones.

History

Ochre is the earliest pigment used by humans, with evidence of its application in prehistoric cave paintings dating back over 100,000 years. The use of ochre pigments, including light yellow ochre, can be traced through ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman frescoes, where they were used for murals, decorations, and cosmetics.

By the Renaissance, ochre pigments from France and Italy became highly sought after by artists who valued them for their durability and natural warmth. The ochre deposits of Vaucluse, particularly in the Roussillon region, became a primary source of some of the world’s finest natural yellow pigments.

Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, Light Yellow Ochre remained a staple in oil painting, particularly for rendering skin tones, golden light effects, and naturalistic landscapes. It continues to be a favored pigment for classical and contemporary artists seeking soft, historical yellows. In the pictured artwork 'The Beach at Trouville' by Monet, light yellow ochre is used for the pastel and soft tones of the sand on the beach.

Health and Safety

Precautions: 
Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Do not consume.
Not for cosmetic or food usage.
Do not spray apply. 
For further health information contact a poison control center.
Use care when handling dry pigments and avoid dust formation.
Use particular caution with fibrous, fine, or toxic pigments. 
Do not eat, drink, or smoke near dry pigments. Avoid breathing in pigment dust and use a NIOSH-certified dust respirator with sufficient rating for dry pigment. 
Wash hands immediately after use or handling. 
If dust is likely, always wear protective clothing to keep out of eyes, lungs, off skin, and out of any contact as well as keep area ventilated.
This product may contain chemicals known by the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or reproductive harm.
Warnings and bottle information are abbreviated.

Pigment Information

Pigment Type: Natural (Mineral) from minerals (Iron Oxide Hydroxide - Goethite) (France)  
Suitable Mediums: Watercolor, Oil, Tempera, Acrylic  
Lightfastness: Best  
Opacity: Semi-opaque  
Other Names: Yellow Earth, French Yellow Ochre, Jaune d’Ocre  
Color Index Code: PY43
Image: 'The Beach at Trouville' by  Claude Monet from the National Gallery