Brown is a colour deeply rooted in nature. Think of rich soil and tree barks, the earth beneath our feet, or the feathers of a hawk circling overhead. Brown is stability, comfort and warmth. Logs on the fire or earthy ground crunching underfoot on forest walks.
Soil can range from sandy beige to rich coffee tones, it depends on minerals and organic matter. It’s the foundation for crops and forests, and every plant that feeds on the nutrients.
Trees also have brown bark, but very varied. Oak trees have rough dark brown bark, while birch bark is much lighter, and maple and walnut bark are often ‘shiny rich brown’.
Wildlife with Beautiful Brown Hues
Think of a beautiful brown bear, or deer that rely on their coats to blend into the forest. Owls often have streaked brown feathers to hide in plain site. Dam-building beavers are brown, to hide from predators in rivers.
Many birds from sparrows to hawks are brown. These help them stay unnoticed, whether they are the hunted or the hunter.
Browns are a rich source of tannin (like in tea) and lignin. Tannins are also found in trees and unripe fruits, responsible for the brown colour you find in aged wood. Lignin is a complex polymer found in the cell walls of plants, to give them strength and air water transport.
Minerals like ochre and umber are also brown. Ochre is a clay pigment that ranges from yellow to deep brown, and umber is rich in iron and boasts a deep earthy tone. Together, they give brown colours to rocks and soil.
