Judge's remarks: There were so many wonderful still life paintings, but this painting kept me very busy. The green wall was the magnet that immediately pulled me in. I suppose my weakness for narrative art instinctively kicked in. I do not know much about Ikebana other than it is a Japanese art of flower arranging that involves a lot of symbolism. I first noticed the repetition of shapes and surfaces, two glass objects, and two painted ceramic objects. The glass pitcher has an array of colorful florals while the vase has tall neutral branches. Compositionally, the branches act as a bridge between the green on the right side and the muted mauve neutrals on the left. The flowers and round glass have an anthropomorphic feminine quality while the tall vase seems more masculine. Perhaps there are two people represented in this painting. However, the figure in the back adds a sense of intrigue, a third element. This painting is not moving, yet I find myself moving. You know what makes a good composition? It is when the composition controls the observer. This is what I found happening to me. There is an arrangement and sense of order to this painting that is controlling how I view it. Whether or not the artists intent, there is a sense I get having to do with family here. It feels as though I am being welcomed in. Interiors often leave us to imagine what time of day or night is it. I find it quite believable that I am entering a warm, welcoming home on a cold day, being greeted by two welcoming souls and offered a cup of tea or possibly a cocktail!