Alex Spalding paints onto clear plexiglass to create an effect like that of pre-digital animation stills or matte paintings. Diverging from traditional cel and acetate paintings, his work is much larger, owing to the thicker and sturdier structure of acrylic and his desire to work in large formats.

He builds up layers with Flashe, a vinyl polymer-based paint, and he utilizes both sides of each plexiglass sheet when painting, working from smaller details to larger shapes and backgrounds. By applying this method and associated techniques, Alex creates a sense of depth or dimension to each piece. He prefers using vivid, saturated colors and fluorescent hues for their visual impact, embracing the aesthetics of comics and cartoons.

His work explores varied subject matter that connect to his childhood and relate to American escapist fantasies through pop culture and media. He professes a wide range of influences, from illustration, advertising, film, television, video games, as well as Modern and Contemporary Art, music, and dance.

His paintings tend to emphasize humor and irreverence.