Rublev French Red Ochre is a single pigment natural red earth made from iron oxide mineral produced by the last remaining European company operating the historic ochre deposits of Gargas and Rustrel in the Luberon Massif, France. This classic red ochre is based on hematite (Fe2O3) with natural mineral companions such as alumina, calcium carbonate, and silica, which give the colour its grounded warmth and traditional earth character.
Unlike hydrated yellow ochres, red ochres contain no bound water. Their colour comes from iron oxide, not iron oxide hydroxide, which contributes to their stable, permanent nature. French Red Ochre is semi-transparent with low tinting strength, making it ideal for glazing, underpainting, and subtle temperature shifts where you want an earthy red that builds gradually and stays natural. It is especially useful for terracotta and brick notes, portrait warmth, and for reducing chroma in brighter colours without muddying mixtures. With titanium white it produces soft salmon, clay pink, and warm rose tints.
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Pigment: French Red Ochre, PR 102 (77491) (natural iron oxide)
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Binder: Linseed oil
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Additives: None
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Opacity: Semi-transparent
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Tinting strength: Low
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Drying rate: Medium
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ASTM lightfastness: I
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Permanence: A (permanent)
Note: Because Rublev Artist Oils contain no waxes or stabilisers, slight natural separation of pigment and oil may occur. Knead the tube to remix before painting.
