“INDIAN ISLAND LIGHT”: This work by Michael Schweigart is featured in “Here and There,” his dual exhibit with Claudia Fouse Fountaine, on view September 7 thorough October 1 at Artists’ Gallery in Lambertville. An opening reception is on September 9 from 4 to 7 p.m.

“Here and There, an exhibit of paintings by Claudia Fouse Fountaine and Michael Schweigart, will be on view at Artists’ Gallery in Lambertville September 7 thorough October 1. An opening reception is on Saturday, September 9 from 4 to 7 p.m.

In this exhibit, you can visit Tuscany, the coast of Maine, and other special places as the artists take you on a visual voyage. You’re invited to explore each painting that holds a wealth of experience and memories re-lived throughout the painting process.

Fouse Fountaine has been painting local subjects for years now; the farms, gardens, and animals she’s surrounded by in Bucks County, Pa. Lately traveling has given her the chance to depict a wider range of images, whether it’s the rolling hills of Tuscany or a Manhattan Street scene. Either way, ultimately it’s the vibrant light and energy she brings to her work that draws viewers in, whatever the subject.

Fouse Fountaine graduated from Carnegie Mellon University and Pratt Institute, subsequently working as an illustrator and graphic designer in New York. But she never stopped painting — exhibiting in California, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, and winning awards in local exhibitions such as Phillips’ Mill in New Hope, Pa. She was also a docent at the Princeton Art Museum and participated in the Art Goes to School program for over 20 years.

Schweigart can find inspiration just about anywhere he goes and relishes taking the road less traveled whenever possible with a focus on what characterizes a region. Like many, he has a deep appreciation for nature. It provides a constant source of ideas to explore. Scenes of coastal Maine and parts of eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey make up the bulk of his work. Schweigart’s studio work is often a composite of memory, plein air sketches, and photographic images to paint specific places, naturalistically. Much of his work is inspired by trips to Maine, a favorite place to paint. When in Maine, he usually follows the coastal routes from place to place, which provide him with a variety of subjects of both land and sea.

Most of Schweigart’s paintings are done using acrylic paint on 300-pound, hot-pressed watercolor paper. He also works in other media with various supports. From the beginning, it’s important to him to develop and maintain detail. His finished works display rich texture and atmosphere, with a presence of man and a sense of place. Schweigart’s work is included in both public and private collections.

Artists’ Gallery, located at 18 Bridge Street in Lambertville, features two artists every month, with all 16 artists contributing on a continuous basis. For more information, visit lambertvillearts.com, call (609) 397-4588, or email contact@lambertvillearts.com.