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Louis Briel Jr.

Louis Briel Obituary

BRIEL, Mr. Louis, Jr., Bernard Louis Briel Jr. died Wednesday evening, January 20, 2021, at Beth Sholom Healthcare Center in Richmond, Va. As a renowned American Portraitist whose art can be seen in the National Portrait Gallery, the Capitol and many other private and public collections, Louis was able to impact the art world through his dynamic style and talent, which captured the essence of his subjects. Born and raised in Richmond, Louis went to Douglas Freeman High School and attended Hampden-Sydney College, where he graduated with honors in Classics; he was also a Woodrow Wilson Fellow at Harvard University. He studied art at the American Academy in Rome and in Boston under Ann Tabachnick and Morton Sacks. In 2012, Louis suffered a stroke and struggled for many years to recover his health. His art is currently on display at Crossroads Art Centre, "The Many Faces of Louis Briel," and features a retrospective of 70 of his works; a memorial book is available at the exhibit for condolences. He is survived by many friends and family who will miss his sense of humor, intelligence and warmth. Louis was preceded in death by his beloved beagle, Bob Barker, a loyal companion over Louis' final years. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Hospice in honor of their care his final days. A private graveside service will be held by family and friends at Westhampton Memorial Park, where he will be placed beside his parents.

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Published by Richmond Times-Dispatch from Jan. 30 to Jan. 31, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Louis Briel

26 Entries

Jenny Crouch Dickinson

September 23, 2025

Happy birthday, Lou! I think of you so often and wonder what those heavenly paint colors look like - magnificent I'm sure, just like you. Today I'm leaving just a silly old thought for you, and no one will understand it except for you and me...ready? "Don't forget your earplugs!"
Love to you now and forever, Lou,
Jenny

Laura Martin

September 24, 2024

Louis and I lived next to each other and were friends from the start. He was a dear, loving person whose art was everywhere in Richmond. I miss him more than words can say.

Jenny Crouch Dickinson

September 23, 2024

Thinking of you today, Lou, on your birthday. Wish I could give you a superbly great hug, but I am doing that from heart to heart as 'we speak'. Love you always, my dear friend

Jenny (Crouch) Dickinson

January 27, 2024

I have not forgotten, Lou

Jenny (Crouch) Dickinson

September 23, 2023

Another birthday year, Lou. I've never forgotten your birthday since elementary school days, so for today's Louis Birthday, I will crank up my old bones to pound out our favorite cheer (which no one will remember except for the 2 of us): "Sitting on a bandstand, beatin' on a tin can, who can? we can! nobody else can....YAYYY!" And then we'd cheer our little voices to their loudest for all of the neighborhood and cars on Patterson to hear. Happy Birthday, Lou. I miss you, miss you, miss you. XXX

John Williams

June 24, 2023

Oh what a loss. When I lived in Richmond in the 1990s, Louis was such a friend and so welcoming. He introduced me to people and made the city home. His beautiful art is a legacy but he will be missed. My condolences to those closest to him.

Michael oyer

January 25, 2023

We can´t forget "Fred" Lou´s dog he had from many years ago.

Jenny Crouch Dickinson

January 25, 2023

I, too, never forget you, Lou. From elem school to your last days, we were never apart. I miss you more than words can say. And I remember Frank, too... Frank, he thought the world of you. (Remember Dr T's nickname? Pinky). Lou, you were & are loved by so many, my dearest friend.

Frank Booth

January 24, 2023

We said we would remember, and we still do. At Hampden-Sydney together from 1962-66, we were unlikely friends: he so talented, smart, and artistic and I an athlete. We both admired our Latin/Fine Arts professor Dr. Graves Thompson, and we both eventually taught Latin ourselves. Unlike many brilliant people who find it hard to tolerate others of only average intelligence, Louis was always kind, with no trace of condescension. Remembering you this day, Frank

Jenny Crouch Dickinson

September 23, 2022

Happy Birthday, Lou. You are on my mind and in my heart. I sure wish we could share a giant hunk of birthday cake today.
I love you my dearest friend.

MichaelOyer

August 30, 2022

You are a very talented artist Lou. I am so sorry for your loss.

Jenny Crouch Dickinson

January 21, 2022

Jan. 20th marked 1 year. 365 days of missing my dearest friend. So much love still sent to you, Lou.
XOXOXO
Jenny

Jennifer Dickinson (Jenny Crouch)

September 23, 2021

Today is your birthday. Lou, I sure do miss you & think of you with love, with sorrow, with laughter, and with tears. We always thought we were invincible & come to find out, we weren't. I have a libraried mind full of memories of you, my dearest brother/friend. Happy birthday, Lou. I love you.

Jennifer Dickinson (Jenny Crouch)

August 9, 2021

Lou, here it is Aug 9, 2021, & I know I already left a note here in January, but I've been thinking of you so often for days. I miss you, the longest running brother/sister relationship of my life. I can still see you at 7. We were immediate tight friends from the first day's meeting & that never changed for one minute for the rest of our lives. Fred is running through my mind, too. That good old cockerpoodledachshundbeagle, what a smooch of a dog, even the times he rolled in snockered from visiting frat parties at Hampden-Sydney. He did love his beer. I'll be back to visit this page again, you'll see it I'm sure. Until then, you're in my heart, Lou, and you know I love you.

Renelle Newman

February 2, 2021

You will be missed. I am glad we had a few minutes to talk at the reunion.

Randy Hallman

February 2, 2021

It was so easy to believe one was a friend of Louis. A gentle soul, he would set aside his prodigious talent and draw you close with thoughtful reflections and a sometimes wicked sense of humor. Our conversations were too far apart, but I remember them well and will miss them so.

Herb Sebren

February 1, 2021

RIP classmate, an outstanding member of the Class of '66.

Frank Booth

February 1, 2021

Louis was my friend and classmate at Hampden-Sydney. He made all things academic look easy. When Dr. Thompson took our art history class to the National Gallery in D.C. for several days, he allowed Louis & me to stay at my aunt's house in Bethesda instead of at the hotel. Louis charmed my three little girl cousins with his playful wit; they still talk about him to this day. Rest in Peace, Louis.

Charles Davidson

February 1, 2021

I have very fond memories of my classmate Louis from our days at Hampden-Sydney. Such a gifted person he was. I shall always be grateful for having known him. May God rest his soul and comfort all those who mourn his loss.

Paul Germain

February 1, 2021

Louis and I met in 1976-77 when we were both exhibiting at the Decker Gallery on Church Hill. What a warm and friendly fellow. He never had a bad word for anyone. Everyone was a friend. That's not so common in the arts community where competition can crowd out compassion. He had an abundance of the latter. I am so glad he had a chance to see his retrospective exhibition, if only virtually.

Laura Martin

February 1, 2021

Oh Louis! I am so sorry I haven't visited you lately--still have Christmas gifts in my car for you. I can't believe you're gone. Love you.

Gardner Phillips

February 1, 2021

A good person

Jay Adams

January 30, 2021

Louis was a friend and sounding board to me during my time in Richmond, around 30 years ago. I had hoped to see him now that I am back in the US, but that will not happen.
Condolences to those close to Louis.

JENNIFER DICKINSON (Jenny Crouch)

January 30, 2021

Lou, you know we've been 'veined' since you were 7 and I was 5. My brother. A million memories. SO glad I got to spend the entire Xmas with you 2019 -- then came Covid. I know YOU know I love you. Missing you, oh how I miss you.

Marc Scheumann

January 30, 2021

Very sorry for everybody´s loss.
Louis was my freshman year Latin I professor,which I believe was his only year at H-SC. We never knew of his extreme artistic talent.
I talked with him a couple of times on my many travels to the LA area as a career FedEx pilot.
We said we should try to meet,but unfortunately,it never came to pass.
He was a really nice guy,a phenomenal artist,a talented instructor,and a tremendous loss.
Rest In Peace on your last flight west.

Bryan Slater

January 30, 2021

I met and knew Louis in the early 1990's and am very sad to learn of his passing. His warmth, friendliness, and kindness will be missed by me and many others. His talent and legacy will live on in his many outstanding works and accomplishments after all of us are gone. My most sincere condolences to his wide circle of friends.

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