"I'd rather paint than wash windows!"  In all seriousness I would rather paint than do most anything.  My greatest inspirations come from the natural work, whether it be the warm to hot colors of the Southwest deserts or the cool tones of the Pacific Northwest coastal area.  These varied landscapes are to enjoyed first hand, which for me means painting plein air sketches and thousands of photographs. Using oil and alkyds, I refine and expand on these sketches in the studio.  My technique is loose brush work with soft edges often referred to as "somewhat impressionistic."

Linda Umphrey