We recently connected with Alissa Leigh and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Alissa, thanks for joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I am a self-taught artist. I didn’t go to art school and I haven’t really had much formal training – instead, I learned by doing. I followed my curiosity, my instincts, experimented constantly and made a lot of mistakes. Over time, I found my voice through color, gesture, and texture. The process was not always pretty, but that’s what made it fun. Looking back, I think I could have sped things up by trusting myself more and worrying less about getting it “right” and making art I thought people would like. I spent a lot of time second-guessing what I was doing instead of just leaning into the “play” aspect of it and focusing on just having fun. I believe confidence comes with practice, but I wish I had known sooner that the imperfections are part of the magic. I think curiosity and the ability to quiet all the noise and just keep creating is an essential skill, one that I’m still working on! As for obstacles, I’d say the biggest one has been my own inner critic. Learning to tune that voice out – or at least not let it get to me – was a game changer.

Alissa, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hi, I’m Alissa Leigh – a self-taught mixed media artist based in Bedford, NY. My journey into art wasn’t a traditional one. I didn’t study painting in school or follow a mapped-out career path. I discovered painting during a chapter in my life when I really needed a creative outlet, and once I started, I couldn’t stop. What started as a hobby, quickly become a path to healing and self-expression after the loss of my mother and ultimately, a thriving art practice.
My work is energetic, layered and expressive. I use a wide range of materials – acrylic paint, paper, charcoal, pastels, mesh, ink – to build textured, compositions that radiate joy and movement. Along with originals and commissions, I offer limited edition prints as well. I also teach workshops and am developing online resources to help others tap into their own creative expression.
I believe what sets my work apart is its emotional energy. I paint as a way to speak without using words – loudly, boldly, unapologetically. My art is deeply personal, but my goal is to create a connection with the viewer. I want people to feel something – joy, nostalgic, inspired – when they stand in front of my pieces.
I think one of the most important things people should know about my art is that it is rooted in realness. I’m not “happy” all the time – sometimes I paint how I want to feel rather than how I’m feeling in that moment, and there’s power in that.
I built this path for myself by showing up, putting in the work, sharing the process and believing in myself and the power of color and creativity to bring people together. That’s what I am most proud of.
Whether someone collects my work, joins a workshop, or follows along on social media, I hope they feel inspired to follow their dreams and live a little more boldly.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding part of being an artist is the connection it creates—with others, and with myself. Art has given me a voice I didn’t always know I had, and through sharing my work, I’ve found a beautiful sense of community. There’s something so incredibly powerful about creating something deeply personal and having it resonate with someone else. It’s like a silent conversation—an unspoken bond.

Whether it’s someone standing in front of a painting and feeling seen, or connecting with fellow creatives who understand the ups and downs of this path, those moments of shared emotion and experience are everything. That sense of connection is what keeps me showing up in the studio day after day. Art builds bridges—and I’m honored to be part of that.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building my audience on social media has been a slow, steady journey. I’ve taken courses, done a lot of research, and learned to focus on consistency and authenticity. I learned that people connect with more than just the finished piece—they connect with the story, the process, and the person behind the work. So I started letting people in a bit more—sharing glimpses of my studio, my inspiration, even the messy in-between moments.

For anyone just starting out: be patient, be consistent, and don’t be afraid to show up as yourself. Growth takes time, but real connection is worth the wait.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.alissaleigh.com
• Instagram: @alissa.leigh.art

Image Credits

Adeline Artistry, Aiko Austin, Alissa Leigh