After studying art education and law, Justin Vining found himself most at home painting out in the open. The Indianapolis artist, who now works mainly with oils, often creates his works en plein air. As a member of the board of directors for the Indiana Plein Air Painters Association, his exploration of capturing outdoor scenes, both natural and urban, has become a central part of his current work and a guiding line through this exhibit.

Summer evokes nostalgic ideas of sunshine and swimming holes, whether we experienced them as children or not. Rather than a storybook summer, though, Vining paints across the spectrum: summer in the city, by the sea, and near to home. “Summer Days” includes scenes from Seattle, Ohio, Fort Wayne, and Brown County, managing to transmute that sense of vacation freedom that carries over from youth whenever good weather draws us outside.

The Seattle Great Wheel. Gouache. 8” x 10”

‘Outside’ is what the various oil, gouache, and watercolor pieces have in common. Buildings are only featured as far away skylines or as part of an otherwise natural scene. The muted, natural tones are heightened by strong blues and the soft, blended strokes capture the romance of the summer within reach. The idyllic idealism finds us on a lunchtime walk from the office or a visit to family in a nearby city.

Indiana Dunes National Park. Oil. 18” x 36”

These feelings being evoked in the viewer is due, at least in part, to Vining’s state of mind while painting the works included in “Summer Days.” Vining visited Tybee Island in Georgia to celebrate his fortieth birthday. During his time there, he painted many of the sea scapes in the exhibit, including “Sunrise on My 40th.”

“Summer Days” is on display in the Harrison Gallery for the month of September. The exhibit can be viewed in-person by appointment and in our online gallery, where all pieces are available for purchase.