Distillation Series | Reconciliation Gallery Mark Dassoulas' evolution as an artist has been moved by a deep-seeded need to explore new territories. Largely self-trained in studio art, his career has encompassed several styles; each defined by a painterly command of color and carefully conceived spatial organization. His early works focused on creating crisp, detailed landscapes and floral subjects in the manner of 17th century Dutch masters. In recent years, his paintings moved into abstraction, depicting visionary landscapes of subtly modulating color. For the creation of his mixed-media distillations on both canvas and paper, the artist has utilized a multi-stage technical process on the cutting edge of print media. To insure the proper conservation of each piece, archival inks are printed onto acid-free paper or canvas, adhered to a solid support of acid-free materials, and then treated with multiple layers of formulated varnish. Visually undetectable, the varnish offers protection from the elements without the need for glass, matte or frame. Finally, the print is mounted on a back frame custom-designed for each piece. Landscape Reconciled represents a step in a new direction for Mark, while retaining the delicacy of touch and remarkable craftsmanship that has defined his career. Drawing not only upon his skills as a painter, these paintings and constructions are equally influenced by the dynamics of the landscape of his native Maryland and a life including gardens, fatherhood and the reveling in simple pleasures.