On my recent visit to the Metropolitan Museum in New York, I discovered these spectacular Sol LeWitt Drawings. I love their larger than life scale, plus they make a great backdrop for a selfie or a family portrait. Can you imagine a family Christmas Card or wedding announcement  in front of one of these 1970’s Op Art (Optical Art) drawings, you’d either be the coolest, or wackiest, people  in your suburban neighborhood. Since black and white motif’s seem to be making a strong comeback I’d say you’d be extraordinarily cutting edge.

A seminal practitioner of Conceptual Art, LeWitt emphasized the creative idea that generates a work of art, as opposed to the work’s material existence. For each work of art that becomes physical,’he wrote, there are many variations that do not. As a painter and wall muralist myself, I completely understand this sentiment. I begin with inspiration, research, drawings and sketches, and then the actual work of art. I’ve been very proud of some of the murals that I’ve created in my career, and have always been sad to see them go. But, wall murals aren’t meant to last forever, especially in the confines of a residential interior. Trends change, or residents change, which ultimately leads to a gallon of KILZ paint and primer being layered over the mural. If faced with the choice, I prefer to be the one welding the brush and primer… being both creator and destroyer of the art.

This installation, Wall Drawing #370,  is on view until January 3, 2016  in the Lila Acheson Wallace Wing, first floor, Gallery 399, Metropolitan Museum.