When we went to the National Gallery, my love for Dutch still life was reignited.  I love the insane skill of the artists, the over-decadence and baroque-ness of it all (I should note now that I am NOT a minimalist), the high contrast and vibrant colors, the elevation of common objects and the collective level of brilliant ridiculousness.

Here’s a painting done by Jan Davidsz. de Heem that I used for inspiration vs. my version:

(I think he won)