Steve Leal (Born 1962) was born in Venice, California. Leal was first published by a prominent publishing company at the age of 21. A self taught artist, Leal has held many one man shows throughout the world and has continued to print numerous limited editions of his works. He soon began to take different creative avenues. His paintings are now much sought after by many private collectors and galleries throughout the world. Leal has a special psychological attachment with his work and this is where his reputation was initially built around. In the late 80s and early 90s he produced more than 180 illustrations of pop stars which they used as backdrops for their American Music Awards. He still designs images and posters to the commercial market in addition to the fine art market. Leal varies the subject matter of his art, believing that doing so will increase their marketability as they will always remain fresh and attractive.
Leal believes that art is about connecting. He says that art connects us to our community and families, to our past and future, and opens us up to possibility and opportunity. Requests for his services began to come in through word of mouth after he painted murals in a friend’s home. This turned out to be another creative venture that would soon develop into a new aspect of his work. Creative, explorative, diversified, and passionate about his work, Leal continues to cultivate the surroundings of those who embrace his work. He loves his work and considers the time he takes painting as the time that is well spent.
