About the Artist
Biography:
Alissa (Gillespie) Sheley was born in Emporia, Kansas in 1980. She grew up in Lebo, Kansas and graduated from Lebo High School in 1999. Alissa currently resides in Topeka, Kansas. She graduated with Honors in December of 2004 with a B.A. in Art and a Women’s Studies Minor from Washburn University. Alissa works as an Account Manager for Jones Huyett Partners, a full-service advertising, marketing, and public relations agency in Topeka.
Artist’s Statement:
I began working on plexiglass during my first year at Washburn. One particularly broke day, I had the overwhelming urge to paint but no canvas to work on and no money to buy more. So I rummaged through a storage closet and found an old piece of plexiglass. I had no idea if it would work, but it seemed like a paintable surface so I decided to give it a shot. Little did I realize at the time, I was taking my first steps into my career as an artist.
Alissa (Gillespie) Sheley was born in Emporia, Kansas in 1980. She grew up in Lebo, Kansas and graduated from Lebo High School in 1999. Alissa currently resides in Topeka, Kansas. She graduated with Honors in December of 2004 with a B.A. in Art and a Women’s Studies Minor from Washburn University. Alissa works as an Account Manager for Jones Huyett Partners, a full-service advertising, marketing, and public relations agency in Topeka.
Artist’s Statement:
I began working on plexiglass during my first year at Washburn. One particularly broke day, I had the overwhelming urge to paint but no canvas to work on and no money to buy more. So I rummaged through a storage closet and found an old piece of plexiglass. I had no idea if it would work, but it seemed like a paintable surface so I decided to give it a shot. Little did I realize at the time, I was taking my first steps into my career as an artist.
Since that first day, I have spent years experimenting with different techniques of paint application and finishing methods. I have taught myself through trial and error what would work on this uncommon surface and what would not. I am still working on developing new techniques to use on the plexiglass, at this point it feels like the sky is the limit. One of my favorite aspects of painting on plexiglass is the way that I am really able to focus on the elements of art that I enjoy most: vivid color, bold texture, and flowing movement. The negative space creates dimension that I was not able to achieve when painting on traditional canvas. This combination of these elements has taken my artwork to a whole new level.
Posted by Alissa on December 30th, 2006 |
Hi, Alissa just checked out the new site, thought it was awesome, I just wanted to tell you that I knew you were talented but wow I am just amazed your work is so beautiful. And I see that you are doing quite well for yourself. Way to go. Can’t wait to hang and Alissa Sheley original in my home. Talk to you soon, hopefully sometime we can get together.
Rebecca
January 11th, 2007 | #
Glad you like the new site, Bec. Next time your in Kansas you’ll have to stop by my house to visit my studio and see everything! The artwork looks much better in person - tt’s hard to show the textures in 2-dimension.
January 11th, 2007 | #
Hey Alissa! Love the site! Your work is fabulous! Planning to go to the showing so we can see it up close and live! Keep me posted on upcoming events so I know when to plan to come!
Stay warm!
Traci
January 22nd, 2007 | #
Hi ! Neat artwork…help! I am in charge of a 3rd grade art project and we would like to try painting on plexiglass. I’ve purchased some from home depot. I’ve researched this online and that is how I came across your work. What I am stuck on is how to paint without showing the brush strokes? We would also like to hang the finished pieces in the school hallway. Any ideas of how to hang without jepordizing the art work? Much appreciated — any HELP you can give us here in Arizona!!! Thank You.
January 27th, 2007 | #
Those are some awesome painting. Modern and fresh. Colors are vibrant and captivating.
Can you please post an URL to your store? Thanks.
March 9th, 2007 | #
Amos -
I’m glad that you enjoy my artwork! How did you find my site? I actually sell paintings directly from this URL. If you look at the artwork in on the gallery pages, you will find the prices set for all available pieces. Please let me know if you have any questions!
March 11th, 2007 | #
Hi Alissa - I would like to talk to you about having another art show at freda and maude. Please email me. I LOVE your work. Thanks so much! Amanda
March 31st, 2007 | #
I like the story of how you got started. It is inspirational. Your paintings are so bright, and friendly. I will bookmark your site and keep checking back for more. Thank you!
August 26th, 2007 | #
Lisa -
I’m glad that you like my paintings and plan on visiting my site again! I’ve got several events coming soon, so I’m sure that I’ll have lots to write about!
Alissa
August 28th, 2007 | #
very nice work, keep it up they look great
September 6th, 2007 | #
Thanks for visiting Charles!
September 7th, 2007 | #
Wow! Darling — this site is great. Your work is great. And you are great. I love your imagination, your creativity and your colors! Bravo. I can’t wait to say, “I knew her when . . . !”
Michel’
November 9th, 2007 | #
So excited to see you featured on channel 13 this morning. Your art has the ability to
evoke such a variety of emotions….happy, melancholy, lonely, promise, hope, warmth, etc.
I am so very proud of you and intend the show the kids at Lebo School exactly what can happen with talented people.
Schlo
November 25th, 2007 | #
This is so much fun! The bold colors are absolutely my favorite aspect of your art. Congratulations on all your success! I wish I could make it to some shows.
December 18th, 2007 | #
Great Job Lis!!! I hope to be able to make it to one of your art shows one of these days. I still have the painting you painted for us for our wedding, actually hanging up in our extra bedroom. It’s something that I will cherish forever!!!! love a girl!!! –E
March 28th, 2008 | #
i am using plexiglas over a painted board or canvas….kind of like a shadow box…i am working with cheryl fenfrock, who paints on plexiglas then does monotype…ive tried and like this also. cheryl has a great website. do you use acrylic and it stays ok when dry?
thanks jdk
August 21st, 2008 | #