AroundTheCorner Ray Hendershot

Here we observe a watercolor rendering depicting a weathered structure nestled within a wintry landscape. The composition is dominated by two primary elements: a substantial stone wall and a smaller, dilapidated wooden building partially obscured behind it. A scattering of snow blankets the ground, lending a sense of stillness and coldness to the scene.
The artist’s use of light is particularly noteworthy. A soft, diffused illumination emanates from the left side of the frame, casting long shadows and highlighting the textures of both stone and wood. The light seems to filter through bare branches, creating an ethereal quality that softens the harshness of the winter setting. These branches, stark against the pale sky, reach across the composition, adding a sense of enclosure and hinting at something beyond what is immediately visible.
The stone wall exhibits meticulous detail in its rendering; individual stones are discernible, conveying age and resilience. The wooden structure behind it appears fragile and vulnerable, with exposed beams and a sagging roofline suggesting neglect and decay. This juxtaposition creates a visual dialogue between permanence and transience.
The placement of the building around the corner as suggested by the title, invites curiosity and implies a hidden narrative. It suggests that there is more to discover beyond what is immediately apparent. The viewer is positioned as an observer peering into a secluded space, fostering a sense of intimacy with the scene.
Subtly, the painting evokes themes of times passage, the cyclical nature of decay and renewal, and the quiet dignity of abandoned places. It speaks to the enduring presence of structures that have witnessed history, even as they succumb to the forces of nature. The muted color palette reinforces this feeling of melancholy and introspection, while the delicate brushwork conveys a sense of reverence for the subject matter.