Rust

Rust is the red-orange brown that iron turns when air and water reach it, and the same oxide has coloured earth pigments since the first cave paintings. It sits between brick and terracotta, warmer than both, with a slightly dry, powdery quality. In a room it suits velvet, leather and unglazed clay, where the surface keeps it soft. Against midnight blue and cream it looks deliberate and tailored. With olive and ochre it turns earthy and autumnal. Brass hardware and warm bulbs bring out the orange in it.

1 palette · 1 journal piece · 1 piece to shop · 1 print