This deviation was a school project back in college where we were required to replicate a famous Renaissance masterpiece. And since I have a passion for portrait art, I could not think of anything more appropriate than Mona Lisa.
This was in no way meant to be an exact rendering of the original but rather a personal interpretation and yet maintaining the essence and feel of the original work.
I agree, no person's work could ever be held in a higher regard than Da Vinci. I mean really? Who would have the audacity to say that? It's a nice piece, but honestly, an imitation could never hold the true majesty of the Mona Lisa.