オーストラリアン・シェンナ | マティス・アクリル絵具

Australian Sienna | Matisse acrylic paint

Chromatic Challenges in Inland Australia

 

Artists in inland Australia faced a challenge for years. Paints crafted by northern hemisphere manufacturers catered to the softer light of Europe, not the intense luminosity of exotic and warmer regions like North Africa, the American Midwest, and much of Australia. In these landscapes, where the sky gleams pure cobalt and the earth radiates vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows, a particular need arose. While transparent yellow, red, and umber oxides covered many colours, a transparent sienna was missing to capture hues akin to the bright orange rocks of Kakadu. Responding to artists' needs, Matisse's colour specialists formulated a distinctive blend—Australian Sienna, featuring an earthy orange mass tone with a golden undertone, ideal for arid regions.

 

Richly Coloured Landscapes Across Australia

 

The intense saturation of colour isn't exclusive to Kakadu; Australia boasts richly coloured landscapes from Port Augusta to Cape York, Kalgoorlie to Collaroy. These vibrant hues extend globally, gracing locations like the Grand Canyon, the Sahara, and Petra. Australian Sienna's colour richness harmonizes seamlessly with these diverse landscapes, offering artists a versatile palette for capturing the vibrancy of such locales.

 

Beyond Gold Ochre: The Transparency Advantage

 

While resembling a gold ochre in many aspects, Australian Sienna surpasses traditional gold ochre pigments in transparency and the resulting golden undertone. Undertone, the colour revealed in a thin paint film, often differs significantly from the mass tone. Transparency enhances this effect, making Australian Sienna stand out with its distinctive undertone.

 

Versatility in Colour Mixing

 

The transparency of Australian Sienna adds delight to colour mixing, especially in creating olive greens that radiate with richness. Combining it with Matisse Scarlet or Primary Red produces the deep reds reminiscent of Kakadu or the Arches National Park. Adding a hint of Australian Ghost Gum to the mix conjures the delicate pinks found in Petra's stone. Despite its name linking it to Australia, this colour proves to be a versatile choice for global landscapes. Its distinct behavior in mixtures sets it apart from Raw Sienna, making both colours invaluable additions to an artist's paint box, each bringing its unique qualities to the canvas.

Safety Data Sheet for Matisse Australian Sienna (SDS)

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