Welcome back to new Thursday Giveaway & Artist Feature!
Today I'm thrilled to be visiting with the fun & talented artist, Steve Loya. I discovered Steve's blog last year thanks to IllustrationFriday.com and immediately took a liking to his fantastic lines & whimsical work.
I also love the way he plays with the page, sometimes allowing his colors & shapes to roam free, other times mixing the abstract and realistic.
Steve has just opened an online shop, GoFlyingTurtle.etsy.com. As you enjoy this post, click on any of the images to visit the shop. He is still adding inventory, so some of these great pictures are not yet listed. If you see an image you are interested in, just drop him an etsy convo or leave a comment on 1 of his blogs and he'll get back to you. His main blog is GoFlyingTrtl.blogspot.com and his art only blog is SteveLoyaArt.blogspot.com.
By the way, Steve is also the latest Thursday Giveaway sponsor. He has generously donated a softcover copy of his book A Splotch Monster Compendium Volume 1, a splotch monster postcard and an ATC to one very lucky winner. See bottom of this post for details.
I also love the way he plays with the page, sometimes allowing his colors & shapes to roam free, other times mixing the abstract and realistic.
Steve has just opened an online shop, GoFlyingTurtle.etsy.com. As you enjoy this post, click on any of the images to visit the shop. He is still adding inventory, so some of these great pictures are not yet listed. If you see an image you are interested in, just drop him an etsy convo or leave a comment on 1 of his blogs and he'll get back to you. His main blog is GoFlyingTrtl.blogspot.com and his art only blog is SteveLoyaArt.blogspot.com.
By the way, Steve is also the latest Thursday Giveaway sponsor. He has generously donated a softcover copy of his book A Splotch Monster Compendium Volume 1, a splotch monster postcard and an ATC to one very lucky winner. See bottom of this post for details.
I'm going to grab a fresh mug of tea (It is cooold here today) so why don't you hang out with Steve 'til I get back.....
SL: My name is Steve Loya and I live in Leesburg, Virginia. I grew up in the suburbs of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania before moving to VA for an art teaching job. I've taught art professionally now for nine years, and was a sub in and around Pittsburgh for several years. As a kid I drew all the time and had an interest in wildlife. I also drew a lot of Star Wars, a movie which has, in many ways, influenced some of my art and way of thinking.
SL: After lots of drawing in college, I abandoned doing visual art for almost seven years. Looking back now, I can't believe it, but at least I started drawing again, getting back into art slowly but surely. Sadly enough, a lot of people let their love of drawing and art-making fall by the wayside, which is all too easy to do.
SL: I can thank the encouragement of some friends as well as the internet for making me want to get creating again.. Plus, being an art teacher, it seemed kind of hypocritical to not also be making some of my own work as well. I'm still highly influenced by wildlife and animals, as well as more fantastical subject matter.
SL: After several years of consistently participating on Illustration Friday, I found it kept me on track as far as creating at least one little work a week, even if it wasn't so good. This kept me on a schedule, and keeping a blog kept me in check. This year, I want to move in a newer and somewhat different direction, taking off the I.F. training wheels and working larger, incorporating my own subject matter into paintings, etc. I've built up of a wealth of work in my sketchbooks over the years that I'd now like to translate into more serious, more developed works.
SL: I'll still be making fun, little pieces as well, including my Splotch Monsters, which I just started to sell at my new Etsy shop - something my wife Kris put me up to doing by the first of the New Year. In many ways, she's also a big influence on my work, always encouraging and inspiring me to create.
Hey, Steve - so glad you could stop by & share with us today. Many thanks! Also, thank you for donating a collection of your playful creatures to next Thursday's random drawing. On 1/14 one lucky winner will receive a softcover copy of this entertaining book, 1 splotch monster postcard and 1 ATC. The book measures 7" x 7" and consists of 50 pages on premium quality paper. You can get a sneak peek at the colorful critters inside by clicking here.
Readers, to enter this random drawing simply leave a comment before 1 a.m. (EST) on 1/14. Just make sure your contact info is in your blog profile or comment in case you're the winner. This giveaway is open worldwide with free shipping.
Where else can you find Steve's art?
Main Blog:http://goflyingtrtl.blogspot.com/
Art Only Blog: http://steveloyaart.blogspot.com/
New Etsy Shop: http://www.goflyingturtle.etsy.com
For A Splotch Monster Compendium Vol 1:http://www.blurb.com/books/1023323
Also, if you pop back here on Saturday, Steve will be giving a tour of his studio space. So be sure to come back on 1/9 & see where he exercises his imagination. Here's Link To Studio Tour
SL: I can thank the encouragement of some friends as well as the internet for making me want to get creating again.. Plus, being an art teacher, it seemed kind of hypocritical to not also be making some of my own work as well. I'm still highly influenced by wildlife and animals, as well as more fantastical subject matter.
SL: After several years of consistently participating on Illustration Friday, I found it kept me on track as far as creating at least one little work a week, even if it wasn't so good. This kept me on a schedule, and keeping a blog kept me in check. This year, I want to move in a newer and somewhat different direction, taking off the I.F. training wheels and working larger, incorporating my own subject matter into paintings, etc. I've built up of a wealth of work in my sketchbooks over the years that I'd now like to translate into more serious, more developed works.
SL: I'll still be making fun, little pieces as well, including my Splotch Monsters, which I just started to sell at my new Etsy shop - something my wife Kris put me up to doing by the first of the New Year. In many ways, she's also a big influence on my work, always encouraging and inspiring me to create.
Hey, Steve - so glad you could stop by & share with us today. Many thanks! Also, thank you for donating a collection of your playful creatures to next Thursday's random drawing. On 1/14 one lucky winner will receive a softcover copy of this entertaining book, 1 splotch monster postcard and 1 ATC. The book measures 7" x 7" and consists of 50 pages on premium quality paper. You can get a sneak peek at the colorful critters inside by clicking here.
Readers, to enter this random drawing simply leave a comment before 1 a.m. (EST) on 1/14. Just make sure your contact info is in your blog profile or comment in case you're the winner. This giveaway is open worldwide with free shipping.
Where else can you find Steve's art?
Main Blog:http://goflyingtrtl.blogspot.com/
Art Only Blog: http://steveloyaart.blogspot.com/
New Etsy Shop: http://www.goflyingturtle.etsy.com
For A Splotch Monster Compendium Vol 1:http://www.blurb.com/books/1023323
Also, if you pop back here on Saturday, Steve will be giving a tour of his studio space. So be sure to come back on 1/9 & see where he exercises his imagination. Here's Link To Studio Tour
--------------------
Totally off topic. I'm also hosting a giveaway for Uprinting.com. 1 random winner gets 250 custom printed business cards. Click Here For Details
I really like those splotch monsters! Very cute! Enter me, please :) xashxnightx@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteCute Idea. Would look great in my office. sue@thepinklion.com
ReplyDeleteHey, thanks a ton Stacey! You did a real nice job with this and I'm honored to be a part of this feature/giveaway. :)
ReplyDeletei'd like to take the splotch monster with me everywhere I go and photograph him in various unusual places.
ReplyDeletePick me, pick me! Please enter me to win the splotch monster book giveaway, thanks :-)
ReplyDeletehenniemavis@gmail.com
P.S. Wish I could win the vinyl monkey... awesome record art idea!
Fab work by Steve, and near my home town too. I grew up in those parts too. Great feature Stacey,
ReplyDeletesteve is one of my favorite bloggers and an outstanding artist. his range of talent and eye for detail in his "sketch dumps" blow me away, and those splotch monsters are the cutest little guys ever!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteLove those splotch monsters!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the give away!
SheilaC
Splotch me! Please oh please...Splotch splotch, SWEET!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.flickr.com/photos/mikekline
You rock Steve.
ReplyDeleteReally cool stuff! Thanks for introducing me to Steve's work!
ReplyDeletethnaks for this chance.
ReplyDeletehugs from italy.
ale84.vercelli@hotmail.it
Love the colors in the zentagles and the use of them on the statue! And everything else! Thanks Stacey for introducing us to Steve!
ReplyDeleteMe too, me too! Enter me. My art blogs are at Imagik and Imagik art.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE Steve's Work and have in my custody at the moment several examples of it INCLUDING one featured here! YAY! (Pick me pick me!--but I guess we can't all be picked, LOL!)
I had to go back and look at the Vinyl monkey again, LOL!
ReplyDeletevery cool and creative thanks for the heads up!
ReplyDeleteThe splotch monsters are so fun. I LOVE the squirrel and the tortoise is incredible!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Steve, for sharing your art with us.
Steve's work is fantastic!! Can't wait to tour his studio!!
ReplyDeleteHugs
Put my name in the hat
SueAnn
This was absolutely delightful:) Love the format!
ReplyDeleteThese monsters are a treat for the eyes and for the soul! Wonderful.
ReplyDeleteGabriele/emmarts.etsy.com
This looks great. What fun!
ReplyDeleteI love his artwork! Great imagination.
ReplyDeletecontact@liquidambarstudio.com
The monsters are so cute, it reminds me of that kids show on TV, 7 monsters!
ReplyDeleteAnna
perfectbluemoon@gmail[dot]com
MY grandchildren will love this book that will stay @ my house for them to look through....& maybe make some Splotch Monsters of their own..... birdson@roadrunner.com
ReplyDeleteSteve's art is amazing. All he can achieve from watercolors spots and add on with markers is.. wow. I hardly see art like his.
ReplyDeleteI love monsters and this is such a colorful piece. Thanks marian
ReplyDeletemtzeenla@yahoo.com
Wow! Thanks for picking Steve! He is a great artist! I love looking at his pieces! Congrats steve!!
ReplyDeletea.r.lundmark@hotmail.com
Very cool! I like the Splotch Monsters! I would love to be in the draw!
ReplyDeletebusybbee05[at]yahoo[dot]com[dot]au
The splotch monsters are so cool. Winning this book would be so much fun. hillikayathotmaildotcom
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you resumed drawing. Your talent is too good to keep under wraps. Good luck to you!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great giveaway! I love that first image-- Fashion Victim #2. Now I'm wondering when he might list that one :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance and for the interview :)
Kelly @ TLE
thelostearring at yahoo dot com
Such a fabulous, inventive artist! Love the depth in the pictures and the rainbow hues ;)
ReplyDeleteSteve, your art looks like so much fun! Thanks for introducing Steve to us, Stacey. I look forward to seeing more.
ReplyDeleteLove your art Steve. You are very talented!I grew up in the Silver Spring area, then lived in Fredericksburg so familiar with your neck of the woods. Never give up your art!
ReplyDeleteyour splotch monsters are darling. thanks for sharing
ReplyDeletemelanieinaz2003 at yahoo
Oh these are so freakin' cool! My son is just starting to really get into doodling & cartooning, and I would lovelovelove to give him this awesome book!
ReplyDelete♥
melaniesands[at]yahoo[dot]ca
I'd love to win this! Love the monsters!
ReplyDeleteaikychien at yahoo dot com
Those monsters are cool! Great giveaway :)
ReplyDeletecam22190 at gmail
I definately need a friendly monster at my house! I would love to win.
ReplyDeleteI really love the art --- I would really love to win this fun and beautiful book. Thanks for the great giveaway
ReplyDeleteI would love to win.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great giveaway!
ReplyDeletecurtiskaty at hotmail dot com
These are really wonderful. I just love the squirrel flying onto a tree branch. I would love to display it in my home.
ReplyDeleteI totally love Steve's animal illustrations.
ReplyDeleteI like Steve work. It is very creative and the colors are amazing.
ReplyDeletemccataquet(at)comcast(dot)net
Wow. What absolutely fantastic art! Thank you for sharing this wonderful work! I'm following both his blogs AND his shop, now,there's so much different stuff on each!
ReplyDeletecarapacenator(at)gmail.com
Wow, thanks so much everyboday and the ver best of luck to you!! :)
ReplyDeleteI love the splotch monsters. They are so cool.
ReplyDeleteLoving the splotch monsters, who wouldn't!
ReplyDeletelankylegslass(at)hotmail(dot)com
wow, very creative. i love the splotch monsters!!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat amazing work! I love the ancient traveler...
ReplyDeleteurchiken at gmail dot com
Love your art - you are not limited to one style. It was fun to look everything over.
ReplyDeletePlease enter me in the giveaway, what a fun book of art.
ReplyDeletethis looks just adorable- i would love to win!
ReplyDeleteI taught visual arts for over 30 years in the local public school system. It would have been nice if technology were advanced enough then to share creative thoughts and products with everyone! Whoever wins the copy of Splotch Monster will be very fortunate to receive it.
ReplyDeletecatsfurever@yahoo.com
Beautiful work :)
ReplyDeleteeod_army_wife04(at)yahoo(dot)com
wonderful wonderful and so inspiring! thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteGood to learn a little more of Steve's story.
ReplyDeleteIt is really GREAT giveaway. I would be happy to have anything from Steve s art. Count me in please!
ReplyDeletelubaska dot k at gmail dot com