plate no. 0758

Three Girls on the Jetty

Edvard Munch, 1903

oil, canvasExpressionismgenre paintingfiguresjettywaterskytreesbuildings

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing, layering, and capturing atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in simplifying complex forms into basic shapes and using expressive brushstrokes.

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 placement of the figures, the jetty, and the background elements.
step 02
Block in the main color areas: sky, water, trees, buildings, and the figures' dresses.
step 03
Develop the sky with soft, blended brushstrokes, creating a sense of atmosphere.
step 04
Add details to the background elements, such as the trees and buildings, using a limited palette.
step 05
Refine the figures' forms and add details to their dresses, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 06
Create the jetty with horizontal brushstrokes, suggesting the texture of the wood.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 08
Review the painting and make any necessary adjustments to the composition, color, or brushwork.

color palette

primary · yellow · blue · pink · white

secondary · green · brown · red

Mix various shades of yellow, pink, and blue with white to create the figures' dresses. Use green and brown to create the trees and jetty. Mix blue and white for the sky.

techniques