Painting and photography have come full circle in terms of documenting the momentous occasions in life. It is ironic that photography—the very thing that once threatened the historical predominance of traditional portraiture— may have served as inspiration to the most innovative artists of the eighteenth-century. As photography gained popularity and cameras grew more portable, photographs became more candid. The spontaneous images of photography inspired Impressionists to portray these moments, not only in the evanescent lights of a landscape, but also in the daily lives of people. In terms of posterity, wedding photographs are clearly the mainstream choice for contemporary couples, but for those who are well traveled, a traditional painting is the perfect complement.

When Pacific WEDDINGS™ commissioned artist Miriam Briks to paint a bridal portrait for the Art+Design Issue, she was particularly enamored with our suggestion that her stunning daughter Sharna act as the model. Although Sharna’s mind was occupied with all things college-related rather than impending nuptials, she graciously agreed to pose as our bride. It is remarkable how a wedding gown transforms a woman, no matter what her age.

A self-described “romantic” painter, Miriam approached the idea of the traditional bridal portrait with genuine enthusiasm. She says, “To revive the bridal portrait in these modern times is exciting… to portray her love and the glow of her happiness. It seems befitting to capture the universal, timeless beauty of a bride in such a classic way.” In Miriam’s mind a painting lends great importance to the occasion since, “It can be enjoyed as art for many generations,” she says.

While the premise of a formal portrait sitting may conjure up images of stoic aristocrats dressed in all their finery, don’t be intimidated. Miriam describes the process as both relaxing and enjoyable for her subjects. She begins with an informal photo session, then completes a life study and drawings to capture the realistic qualities, colors and composition. She utilizes the photos along with the color study for a final larger painting. It is interesting to note that the finished work may incorporate components of various photos and sketches, an artist’s interpretation in the truest sense. Miriam works with a rich, textured palette, seamlessly fusing her classical formal training with fine Impressionism. Like the original Impressionists, painting en plein air (outdoors) allows her to seize the fleeting, momentary play of sunlight.

Born in Wroclaw, Poland, Miriam Briks grew up in New York City where she graduated
from the School of Art and Design and studied figurative painting and drawing at the Art Students League of New York. She continued her schooling abroad at the Academy of Art in Siena, and spent six years living in Florence, Italy with her husband Kevin Albert, also an acclaimed sculptor and painter. Originally trained in classical art, Miriam began exhibiting her work in Paris, Italy, and England. She attributes her style as a poetic realist to extensive travel saying, “We were greatly influenced by the European schools, particularly the Impressionist and the Pre-Raphaelite schools of painting.”

Miriam captured the essence of the moment with colors and lighting that evoke a sense of subtle elegance and grace. Her Impressionist style is manifest in the visible brushstrokes of the background, which blends beautifully with the subject. Sharna’s natural, unscripted pose, the movement of the heavily laced gown, and the soft tendrils of her hair bring the painting to life in the most romantic way. French poet Charles Baudelaire once said, “Romanticism is precisely situated neither in choice of subject nor exact truth, but in a way of feeling.” Miriam’s portrait succeeds in conveying the timeless romance of a bride. She cites John Singer Sargent, one of the most famous eighteenth-century portrait painters, as a source of inspiration. “Sargent painted figures with elegance and poetry—that is what I strive for. Unlike a photographer, the artist can approach the soul of the subject, infusing a human quality, and capturing that essence on canvas.”

There is something pure and emotional about a beautiful painting. Perhaps it is the quiet solitude, that simple, uncluttered nature which draws us in from a cacophonic world of technology. And while it may be difficult to imagine now, a formal portrait is a gesture that will be appreciated and coveted by generations of brides to come. You may even consider it the perfect wedding gift to your future great granddaughter.

Miriam Briks welcomes commission inquiries at artist108@earthlink.net. She currently offers her paintings through the following galleries: www.treesplace.com, www.canyonroadfineart.com, www.gabrie.com, and www.masterpiecegallerycarmel.com. For more resources and information on locating a qualified portrait artist, visit www.pacificweddings.com.