Her early work, primarily drawings, were satirical caricatures influenced by French artist Jean Ignace Isidore Gérard Grandville.
[6] In the spring of 1940, Spencer illustrated a book by author Reg Regan [7] and her caricatures began to appear in the Arizona Daily Star.
[8] In October 1940 she participate in the Tucson Fine Arts Association Open Show presenting her work "Pure American".
"[11] In the late 1940s and 1950s her work began to shift from classic caricatures to modern surrealism which used color, detailed illustration and satirical metaphorical approaches to offer fresh commentary on social mores.
In 1955 her paintings and drawings were exhibited at the Rosequist Gallery at 18 South Congress Street in Tucson, the local paper noted Spencer "is known for the sharp satirical humor and special consciousness of her work.
[16] Tucson Art critic, Beitirce Edgerly wrote, "Her oil paintings and lithograph drawings were achieved with skillful craftsmanship and with unique and lovely qualities of color and design.
Possibly the greatest charm lies in the individual conception of each piece, envisioned with delicate and subtle humor, verging on caricatures but never gross nor vindictive.
[18] In January 1965 Spencer exhibited at the Cosmos Gallery in the mezzanine of the Santa Rita Hotel with her parents Robert and Margaret.
The whimsical and often cutting sense of humor that dominates her tempera paintings and black and white drawings is something that all art lovers should see.