working in black and white

I like working with black and white as it is both elegant and classic while enabling a focus purely the composition of the work.  I have many pieces done just in black and white which, I find have a more meditative quality than when there's additional color.  The following two works give you an idea of what I mean.  I think both are interesting works with the vibrancy of the color adding to the overall composition but it dominates by drawing the viewer's attention. 

"A-25", 10"x10" oil on linen, 2018

"A-23", 10"x10" oil on linen, 2018

With the following work (still in progress) I wanted to take this black and white composition and bring an additional layer of complexity through the light and shadow of the impasto elements.  From the distance the viewer sees the black and white composition and as they are drawn closer to the work the depth of the composition opens up with the textural almost sculptural qualities of the impasto.  I think it adds to the meditative quality.  What do you think?

"Warrior", 20"x48" oil on linen, 2019

"Warrior", 20"x48" oil on linen, 2019