Daniel Coston exhibit opens Aug. 13

AerieArt Gallery in Rehoboth Beach will present a new exhibit of original acrylic paintings by former Sussex County resident Daniel Coston. The exhibit opening, scheduled for 6 to 9 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 13, will feature a special visit from the artist as he plans to travel from his current Arkansas home to be present to welcome visitors during Mosaic’s Second Saturday Art Walk.  AerieArt is at 45 1/2 Lake Ave., facing Third Street.

In the 1980s, Coston mastered the then-new medium of acrylics, which can be handled like oil or laid on like watercolor. Later, he took inspiration from Andrew Wyeth and blended in an egg tempera technique.

“My paintings appear to be realistic, but I’ve never had much interest in being photo-realistic,” Coston says. “Just so it feels right is real enough for me.”

While in Delaware for almost 10 years, Coston illustrated a series of books for a local publisher about the Eastern Shore and seafood. His fondness for this area remains strong: “When I need another world, there’s always the Delaware beach,” which he enjoys annually on trips from his current Fayetteville, Ark. residence.

During the summer, AerieArt Gallery is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily except Tuesday,  and by appointment any time, by calling 302-584-6402.