Secret Life of Colour Part 1

30/09/2025 13 min

Listen "Secret Life of Colour Part 1"

Episode Synopsis

In this episode of the Tuesday Art Chat podcast, Kerri Dixon explores the fascinating history of color, focusing on three significant ancient pigments: Ultramarine Blue, Vermilion Red, and Ochre. She discusses their origins, uses, and the meanings they carried through history, as well as the dangers associated with some pigments, like Vermilion. The episode concludes with a strange tale of Mummy Brown, a pigment made from Egyptian mummies, and emphasizes the deep connection between color and human experience.TakeawaysEvery time you pick up a stick of pastel, you're holding a piece of history.Ultramarine was once more expensive than gold.Vermilion was associated with power and vitality.Ochre is the oldest pigment known to humanity.Mummy Brown was made from ground up Egyptian mummies.Ultramarine has a red-violet undertone that affects its appearance.Vermilion was toxic and dangerous for artists to use.Ochre represents a connection to land and ancestry.Synthetic versions of pigments have made them safer and more accessible.Every color carries centuries of history and symbolism.Chapters00:00 The Secret Life of Colour00:55 Ultramarine Blue: The Precious Pigment06:51 Vermilion Red: The Colour of Power09:11 Ochre: The Earthy Connection11:39 Mummy Brown: The Strange TaleIf you'd like to work with me and join an amazing online community with over 200 tutorials already in the library with new ones added every month, then follow this link to learn more about The Creative Barn Membership