By John Chambless
Staff Writer

There's no denying that RayHendershot's views of stone barns in all sorts of weather, and his tranquil landscapes, are quintessential “Chester County art,” and Hendershot is a longtime practitioner of the genre, no matter how many other artists have followed him.

His new show at Barbara Moore Fine Art in Chadds Ford, titled “My World, Chapter 4,” is a nice cross-section of his work, with two large watercolor still lifes, “Collectibles” and “Apple Cider,” along with a series of glowing autumn views. They get right to the heart of what he does best – depicting the feathery texture of leaves and grass with exacting detail.

The white blooms in “Queen Anne's Lace,” for instance, are lovely, and there's a beautiful interplay of golden leaves and blue sky in “Underbrush 2.” There's also a nice reflection on still water in “Graeme Park.” Hendershot is a master of mist, and the way it mutes colors and isolates the foregrounds, seen strongly in “Winter Mist” and “Wooded Mist 1.”

But his views of the stone farmhouses and barns of Chester County are his trademark, and there are some 15 examples in the show that will delight his collectors. The blue/purple light on the snow in “Twilight” is a star attraction in itself, but so is the slanting, wind-whipped snow in “Blizzard.”

Even the less dramatic light in “Study for Pennsylvania White” is still just right, and immediately draws you in.

In short, longtime admirers will find plenty to love in this show, and even casual visitors will be impressed with Hendershot's mature skill as an artist, as well as the depth of his affection for the homes and hills of Chester County.

“My World, Chapter 4” will have an opening reception on Oct. 10 from 5 to 8 p.m., and continues through Oct. 24 at Barbara Moore Fine Art (1609 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford). Gallery hours are Wednesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Visit www.barbaramoorefineart.com, or call 484-776-5174.

To contact Staff Writer John Chambless, email [email protected].