Vasili “Vas” is a first generation Greek American who grew up surrounded by his culture’s classical design and aesthetic. Vas studied at Ox Bow School of Arts, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. and earned his degree from the American Academy of Art. His teaching experience includes 6 years at Chicago’s Columbia College, and 16 years at the  New Mexico Art League. He is a Signature member in both the Pastel Society of New Mexico, and the Pastel Society of America. And a member of  the Rio Grande Art Association.

Artist Statement:

“My goal is to transport the viewer to another place through imaginative realism. Much of what I paint is organic because it captivates me like nothing else. It’s as if a living presence provides an intimate and sensual landscape, whether natural or man made. I blend colors together to form deep, rich, continuous patterning. Soft gradations produce transformative movement throughout the scene. I choose earthly natural tones and vibrant hues to melt light and shade together. The result has been described by others as romantic, surreal, mysterious and ethereal.”