Terra de Rio Acima
 
Joules & Joules Terra de Rio Acima Matte Acrylic Paint is a natural earth color sourced directly from the city of Rio Acima, Minas Gerais, Brazil. It presents a dark yellow-ochre hue with warm orange undertones, distinctly earthy and highly lightfast. Naturally transparent, it has moderate tinting strength and low covering power, making it especially suited for luminous passages built through glazes and subtle layering. Its behavior allows light to pass through successive layers, creating depth and warmth that are characteristic of true natural earth pigments.
 
This color is produced from a natural inorganic earth pigment classified as PY43, traditionally derived from iron oxide–rich clays. Earth pigments such as this have been used for millennia in painting, mural work, and decorative arts due to their exceptional permanence and chromatic stability. The Terra de Rio Acima pigment reflects the geological character of its region of origin, offering a unique tonal identity that cannot be fully replicated by synthetic substitutes. Its slightly orange-shifted ochre tone makes it particularly effective for modeling light, atmospheric effects, and natural transitions in landscape and figurative painting.
 
In terms of performance, Terra de Rio Acima offers excellent resistance to light, rated I (Excellent), and outstanding permanence in all media. It is chemically stable, unaffected by light, air, heat, or normal environmental conditions. Its fast drying time and transparent nature make it ideal for glazing techniques, underpainting, and tonal unification. This is a color chosen by artists who value authenticity, subtlety, and the expressive qualities of genuine natural earths—an essential pigment for luminous, grounded, and enduring compositions.
 
Pigment Classification
Natural Inorganic Pigment
 
Chemical Composition
Natural Iron Oxide–Rich Earth (Yellow Ochre)
 
Color Index
PY 43
 
Binder
Acrylic Resin
 
Transparency/Opacity
Transparent
 
Lightfastness
I (Excellent)
 
Tinting Strength
Medium
 
Covering Power
Low
 
Drying Time
Fast
 
Notes
Extremely permanent in light and air. Not affected by heat or chemical agents.
 
Toxicity
Not considered toxic; however, ingestion, contact with eyes, and prolonged skin contact should be avoided.
 
MSDS (Safety Data Sheet)
Available on the website here.
 
Series
2
 
Availability
37 ml and 100 ml tubes, and 250 ml jars.