1155 - Public Library Garage Doors by Peter Lex

Hi. I’m Peter Lex, owner and operator of Lex Customs. I painted this giant bookshelf. I picked up an airbrush in 2004, went to a couple classes and have been self-taught, striving to do better with each piece I do.

The greatest challenge with this piece was constantly working up and down on the scaffolding which restricted my area. Also, as the sun came around in the afternoons, it made for a hot work area. Some of the plain books were just painted on the fly. I would have fun asking passersby what their favorite color was, and as they went into the library they would come out and I’d have painted those colors.

One of my favorite things here is the Where the Wild Things Are book cover. I took about nine hours trying to paint that, trying to nail the look. Also like the once in a lifetime chance to paint some super realistic asparagus.

This piece was commissioned by the Rochester Public Library. Much of the design and layout was done by the graphic designer, Nicole, who gave me a photo reference that I transformed into art. It’s humbling to me when doing public art, the amount of people of all ages that appreciate art. Whether you’re younger or older, if you’re into art, it’s never too late to start. I didn’t start this journey until I was in my 30s. Enjoy the rest of the trail. I wonder what’s going to be your favorite piece.