David Brega is recognized today as one of the country’s foremost contemporary painters of still life. The hallmarks of his style are a taste for spare compositions that are structured from a simple yet powerful design sense, combined with visual richness of surface detail. At the same time he chooses subject matter—old painted woods, antique toys, letters, and pictures from the 19 th century—that conjures memories and nostalgia for days gone by. Brega has carved out a specialty in trompe l’oeil painting with his superb technique, exacting sense of design, and delight in playing tricks upon his viewers.