plate no. 2607

Girls on a Bridge

Edvard Munch, 1900

oil, canvasExpressionismgenre paintingfiguresbridgewatertreesbuildingssky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex scenes and using expressive brushstrokes to convey mood and atmosphere. It also provides practice in color mixing to achieve a harmonious yet slightly unsettling palette.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the bridge's perspective and the placement of the figures and buildings.
step 02
Block in the main color areas: sky, water, trees, bridge, and buildings.
step 03
Add the figures, simplifying their forms and using bold color choices.
step 04
Develop the details in the trees and buildings, using broken brushstrokes to create texture.
step 05
Refine the reflections in the water, using horizontal strokes and muted colors.
step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 07
Adjust the overall color balance to achieve the desired mood.
step 08
Add final details and adjust values.

color palette

primary · Prussian Blue · Yellow Ochre · Cadmium Red · Titanium White

secondary · Burnt Sienna · Viridian Green

Mix muted greens by combining Yellow Ochre and Prussian Blue. Achieve the warm tones of the bridge and buildings by blending Yellow Ochre, Cadmium Red, and Burnt Sienna. Use white to lighten values and create subtle variations.

techniques