“THE MONACO MOTEL”: This painting by Emily Thompson is featured in “Painting the Garden State,” on view June 1 through June 30 at the John Schmidtberger SFA Gallery in Frenchtown. An opening reception is on Saturday, June 8 from 5 to 8 p.m.

John Schmidtberger SFA Gallery in Frenchtown presents “Emily Thompson: Painting the Garden State” June 1 to June 30. An opening reception is on Saturday, June 8 from 5 to 8 p.m.

Thompson looks to the state of New Jersey for her artistic inspiration. Where others might see ugliness and blight, she finds beauty and a never-ending supply of compelling subjects: industrial scenes, roadside architecture and vintage signage, old bowling alleys, motels, and diners. Thompson’s paintings combine these recognizable images with textured, expressionistic brushwork and a broad color palette. A close inspection reveals marks made with gusto and assurance, though Thompson is quick to point out that all the painterly issues and decisions are only in service of the mood and “nostalgic feeling of the painting.”

Thompson attended the High School of Art and Design and the School of Visual Arts in New York. She is an award-winning artist with work in private collections throughout the United States and Europe.

John Schmidtberger SFA Gallery is located at 10 Bridge Street in Frenchtown. Hours are Thursday through Sunday from 12 to 4 p.m. and by appointment. For more information, call (908) 268-1700 or visit sfagallery.com.