When I draw, live, the bride’s portrait during her preparations, waiting for the big moment. I am there, a discreet witness to the excitement. I observe the glistening eyes, trembling hands, the thrill, the tenderness, the immense love flowing between her and her loved ones. And when they see their portrait…there is that look, that smile, that fascination in their eyes. All those unspoken emotions that say so much. Experiencing all of this carries me.…”
Mélina Correia, Artist, Trait Pour Trait
Mélina Correia is a talented portrait artist who creates hyper-realistic representations of loved ones, meticulously crafted ‘Trait Pour Trait.’ Her artwork is deeply personal and entirely hand-drawn, offering a profound emotional resonance. If you seek artwork infused with genuine emotion, you have come to the right place. Although she is fortunate to reside between Provence and the French Riviera, Mélina‘s drawings extend far beyond these picturesque locales, reaching audiences worldwide. Here we discuss what makes her portraits such a beautiful and sentimental gift…
C&B: “Mélina, we love your work – your portraits make beautiful gifts. What first motivated you to specialise in couple portraits, and how does this passion translate into your artistic creations?”
MC: “I believe having a portrait of a loved one in your home is, ultimately, an ode to love. And what better day to celebrate love than a wedding day? I draw faces, yes – but more than that, I bring stories to light; I make love emanate through a drawing. I capture the intimacy and tenderness of each couple in a portrait that is uniquely theirs. Reviving the art of traditional portraiture has become my way of honouring memory and love. Because a portrait is a piece of memory. A witness to a story… a legacy that stands the test of time, and one that, in my view, deserves to be given, or received.”
As the writer Alberto Moravia so beautifully put it: “Reality is in colour, but black and white is more realistic.” That’s why, free from the distractions of colour, I use my technique, my craft, and my sensitivity to reveal the raw emotion in every couple I draw…”
Mélina Correia, Artist, Trait Pour Trait
C&B: “Could you share the inspiration behind your artistic style when capturing the essence of the couples?”
MC: “What inspires me most in my art is speaking about what’s real. So I draw it. I combine fine detail work with the use of black and white – because black and white doesn’t lie. It speaks emotion. It speaks love. No makeup, no filters. I strip away the artifice and keep only what matters : the line, the light, and the emotion…”
C&B: “What do you believe sets your wedding portraits apart from photography, and how do you ensure that each piece reflects the unique love story of the couple and/or bride?”
MC: “Above all, a hand-drawn portrait is not just a snapshot. It’s a true work of art. You display it, frame it, gift it. And most of all, you pause to admire it. With every portrait, I offer the chance to see those cherished moments of life in a new light, with deeper feeling. I highlight character traits, the uniqueness of each person whose likeness I draw. A couple – I draw them truthfully. Because what matters, beyond resemblance, is that it moves you. And if, as you look at it, you feel something that goes beyond words…then I know I’ve succeeded.”
C&B: “How do you approach the creative process when working with couples to capture their special moments in a portrait?”
MC: “I love when couples share their stories with me. But I don’t want to hear just the facts; I want the shivers, the moments, the sparks. I ask them to tell me about how they first met – the first look, the goosebumps. I want them to talk to me about the journey that changed everything. I want to know why it’s him and why it’s her, and above all, why no one else. I want to feel what they feel. I want to immerse myself in their story as if it were my own. Because this goes beyond a simple portrait. I express the image of the couple – my portrait is a symbol, the witness to their story…”
If you feel connected to my approach and wish for a meaningful piece to mark your wedding, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I would be delighted to get to know you and your story, and to create the most beautiful portrait for your special day…”
Mélina Correia, Artist, Trait Pour Trait
C&B: “Are there any particular techniques or mediums that you find especially effective in conveying the emotions of a couple?”
MC: “Yes – charcoal powder. It’s a raw, volatile material. By varying the amount of medium applied, it creates strong contrasts in one area and a very soft effect in another – much like a couple, really. When it works, it’s a miraculous balance. I’ve married it with my hyper-realistic style: raw emotion under surgical precision. A perfect combination to evoke the love between two people, don’t you think?”
C&B: “Absolutely, we can tell you put your heart and soul into your work. Besides hearing their story, what is your favourite aspect of working with couples, and how does that influence your work?”
MC: “What I cherish most, without hesitation, is being at the heart of every couple’s emotions. I am deeply honored by the trust they place in me when they share their stories. I listen to their confidences – not out of curiosity, but out of respect and gratitude. Their trust is a true gift…”
C&B: “Can you share a memorable experience or a story from a wedding portrait session that has left a lasting impression on you?”
MC: “The most moving artwork I have created so far was truly a mission. The kind of project that grips your heart because it speaks of what really matters. A family. A wedding. A photograph. But someone was missing: Gemma. The groom’s sister, who lives with a disability, couldn’t attend. The overwhelming emotions of the day would have been too much for her to handle. So, they asked me for the impossible: to make it seem as if she had been there. To make her present with them, all together, in a single drawing. I took their smiles from the wedding day. I took Gemma’s everyday little gestures, based on various photos. And I brought it all together. Not to invent, but to heal. It was a gesture. A testimony. A way of saying: “She was here. She is part of us.” In cases like this, a portrait is not just about representing someone. It’s also about restoring their place. It’s about honouring a bond. It’s about filling a void that reality could not fill. Thanks to drawing, what could not be lived can still be seen, shared, and kept. What reality could not allow, drawing made possible…”
C&B: “That’s incredibly emotional and a credit to you that you’re able to create such a sentimental artwork. What advice would you give to couples to help them prepare for their portrait session to ensure stunning results?”
MC: “For them to be themselves, 100%. To open up completely and speak to me with their hearts wide open about their story. The more I feel their emotions, the more I can create a true portrait – one that will evoke something powerful for them. And that truth is what they will carry with them, forever…”
INSTAGRAM: @traitpourtraitwedding
