Does art need color?

Looking at Art:

Ansel Adams and Robert Maplethorpe took some of what I consider the most striking black and white photos of all time. Since colors attract the eye and set the mood of a painting, calling to viewers, can an artist’s work be successful without it? Often sculpture relies on form to deliver a message, so surface color may seem unnecessary, although when I have added color to my sculpture, it seems to add another dimension. However, with painting, the issue seems more unclear. So if black and white photography can be powerful, do you think the same applies to painting?

Work in the Studio:

When I heard that a local art center was having a black and white show, I thought that my work would not qualify. Not only my paintings, but even my latest sculptures include color. So I thought I would just not become involved in the show. But my mind held onto the concept of black and white painting and I decided to test the idea of expression without color. The work shown here is the result. What do you think?

Veiled Threat, Watercolor, 12” x 9”