Why is basic earth color "tan" ?

Here is some more picture with the ( light ) tan paint and some blended turf.

Grass.jpg
 
Frary's suggestion of an overall coat of "weathering" is similar to that I've used in theatre to "antique" a set. You put a dirty orange wash over everything, and it really makes stuff look old/tarnished/used. Furniture, walls, steps, etc. Works well - as long as the right colour gels are in the lights!

Andrew