Coffman’s obvious skill, his dynamic compositions and ability to place the viewer smack dab in the center of a narrative is what first drew me to his work. Coffman explains, “I believe the most powerful and lasting art presents a meaningful view of the people and time in which it was created. The recurring theme in my figurative paintings has focused on telling the narratives of people who dedicate their lives to continuing purposeful traditions and aim to create their own lasting legacies.” Coffman’s subjects are often athletes, musicians, designers, and various members of the armed services. These narratives can include exploring the deeper, underlying themes of beauty and sexuality in subject’s lives that often times get overlooked. Coffman’s process in creating these paintings is as equally interesting and layered as the narratives he explores. He begins with a preliminary sketch and then solidifies his vision with multiple layers of paint. Through the process Coffman constantly goes back and forth, making edits, wiping things off, sanding elements and ultimately rebuilding them. In each piece he leaves certain components deconstructed so the viewer can see his process. This deconstruction allows him to give a visual focus to specific elements and animate the work with an expressive feeling.

She started painting at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in the early 80s, and then took a long break when she became a mother. It is just within the last two years that she has begun painting again. However, this artistic break isn’t visible at all. Galeone explains her process as, “the flow taking over.” This ‘flow’ is completely evident in her style. Her brushwork reminds me of Vincent van Gogh – built up and palpable, yet still allowing for a solid sense of form. She allows the viewer to be wrapped up in the materiality of the paint itself, while not losing any accurate representation of the faces she portrays.

Through these unconventional media and LED lights, Brodisch blurs the lines between two-dimensional and three-dimensional art. There is something Dan Flavin-esque about Brodisch’s work when he shines the LED lights against his large, geometrically patterned tarps. The colors and shapes created by the duct tape begin to undulate out toward the viewer and dance off the surface, making evident Brodisch’s skill in color theory. Beyond formal qualities, Brodisch fosters a meditative space where everything falls away excepted color and light.