A popular Broward-based artist and a Kendall art dealer have settled a nasty legal dispute.

Hollywood artist Tomasz Rut and art dealer Anwar Zayden had known each other for nearly 15 years before they started a company together last summer.

By December, they were suing each other. Rut (pronounced root) accused Zayden of flooding the market with ``bootlegged versions of Rut's masterful artworks,'' which he said would hurt their value for ``centuries to come.'' He also called Zayden a con artist.

Zayden, who operates Art Express Miami on Kendall Drive, countersued for defamation.

Now both sides say that's all over. Rut has taken back his accusations against Zayden and wrote a letter apologizing for the things he said.

``I hereby retract any such statements that may have caused harm to you and your business,'' Rut wrote to Zayden.

The company they formed won't continue in business, but Rut will continue selling prints and paintings through Zayden.

Financial terms of the settlement weren't disclosed.

``We have amicably resolved our differences,'' said Rut's attorney, Daniel Koleos, of Plantation.

``The artist and Mr. Zayden have agreed in a new form to continue their relationship,'' said Zayden's lawyer, Ron Weil of Miami.

Rut was born in Poland and studied art at institutes in Warsaw and New York before arriving in Florida about 20 years ago to specialize in mural restorations.

In 1999, the Robb Report selected Rut as one of the five most collectible artists in the country. His original oils start at around $30,000, according to the news release announcing Zayden and Rut's now-defunct company, Tomasz Rut Publishing.

Collectors have included actors Sylvester Stallone and Nicollette Sheridan and German real estate developer Thomas Kramer, the release said.

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