Elfwood Brown vs Desert Ochre

How close are they?

ΔE 18.1, loose: different enough that you should pick on purpose. Desert Ochre is a little lighter, much more saturated than Elfwood Brown.

Can I use Desert Ochre instead of Elfwood Brown?

Not as a straight swap; see the closer alternatives below. Loose match (ΔE 18). Desert Ochre is a little lighter, much more saturated than Elfwood Brown.

Can I use Elfwood Brown instead of Desert Ochre?

The same difference applies the other way round: Elfwood Brown is a little darker, much more muted.

ΔE is the colour difference between our two swatch estimates: under about 6 is close, over about 15 is loose. Real paints also differ in finish, coverage and how they thin, so test before you commit.