The present art show at Catskill Art Space in Livingston Manor opened Saturday, May 13, featuring the married couple Jennifer Coates and David Humphrey. Just as two people can harmonize yet each stand alone, the show was just that. 

Usually their collaborative efforts are presented; this exhibit allocates separate spaces for each to express individually.

Drawn from the biota of the surrounding environment, Jennifer paints animals, trees and mythical figures using bright luminescent pigments. David draws objects from a more urban world, synthesizing and juxtaposing fragments on canvas and in sculpture. His is a bold, stark approach, while Jennifer’s painting techniques are more of a careful blend of color and radiance.

Jennifer began exploring art at the age of six in school, proceeding from fingerpainting to oils and then to acrylics in college. She attended the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art and is most influenced by plant life, art history, her favorite style of Symbolism, and the work of Charles Burchside. The evolution of her professional work has been sifted through teaching, travel, and personal growth, and changes often occur with a spontaneous decision to switch gears and try a new approach. She was drawn to Livingston Manor for its accessibility to her Lakewood, Pa., home and studio, as well as closeness to her artist friends in the area.

David began his artistic endeavors with sculpture and began painting while enrolled at the Maryland Institute College of Art in the mid 70’s. He works with oils on canvas and creates unique sculptures of wooden fragments pieced together to make a unique statement. Inspired by the visual world as it intersects with dreams and fantasies, he changes every day and wants to achieve something different with each new project. His progressions are in linear format, completing one project at a time while keeping in mind the next endeavor. Inspiration is drawn from his wife Jennifer, and hers is drawn from him. Thus, their symbiotic marriage has lasted 26 years.

Jennifer’s other forms of self expression include playing the violin and singing. David plays the saxophone and bass and they have scheduled a concert for May 22 at the CAS. They live and maintain studios in both Queens, NY and Lakewood, Pa.

The current exhibit runs until June 17. The Catskill Art Society is located at 48 Main Street, Livingston Manor. Hours are Friday and Saturday 11am -5pm and Sunday 11am-3pm. For more information contact Sally Wright, Executive Director, at sally@catskillartspace.org and (646)696-1044.