In the 1980s, Barkley Hendricks took a significant turn in his artistic journey, moving away from the portraiture that had defined his earlier career towards landscape painting and expanding his exploration into photography. This shift, described as the "Ronaissance" period by Hendricks himself, marked a time of exploration and diversification in his body of work, reflecting the broader cultural shifts of the Reagan presidency years. During this period, Hendricks concentrated primarily on landscape painting and photography, demonstrating his versatility as an artist and his ability to engage with the natural world in a deeply contemplative manner​ (Wikipedia)​. Hendricks' landscapes from this era, such as "YS Falls #3" (2000) and "My Back to the Bulldozer" (2008), are characterized by their quietude and a focus on the sculptural qualities of the environment. These works often feature circular compositions and are presented in gilded frames, evoking a connection to the Old Masters while showcasing Hendricks' unique vision. The transition to landscape painting allowed Hendricks to explore new artistic territories, bringing his keen observational skills and stylistic flair to bear on the natural landscape​ (Ocula)​. Despite the shift away from portraiture, Hendricks' work continued to be informed by his profound engagement with the figures and fashion of his time, carrying forward the themes of individuality and style that had been so central to his earlier portraits. His return to portraiture in the 2000s, with works such as the portrait of Nigerian musician Fela Anikulapo-Kuti titled "Fela: Amen, Amen, Amen, Amen" (2002), marked a return to the themes of identity and representation that had always been at the heart of his practice. This period of exploration and experimentation in the 1980s was thus a pivotal phase in Hendricks' career, laying the groundwork for the rich diversity of his later work​ (Ocula)​. Throughout his career, Hendricks remained a pivotal figure in the art world, influencing a generation of artists with his innovative approach to portraiture, his masterful use of color and composition, and his deep engagement with the cultural and historical contexts of his subjects. His legacy continues to resonate in the contemporary art world, as evidenced by his influence on artists such as Derrick Adams, Mickalene Thomas, and Kehinde Wiley, among others​ (Artsy)​. Hendricks' work from the 1980s to the end of his life demonstrates a continuous evolution of his artistic vision, marked by a deep commitment to exploring the complexities of the human and natural world.