From Desert Heat to Coastal Breeze: The Traveler’s Gallery Begins

Jul 1

By Catherine Rump | NCRumpFineArt.com

As I write this, the Las Vegas sun is blazing at 115 degrees—a kind of heat that settles into your bones and slows everything down. Even the chickens are hugging the shadows, and Pearl, Oyster, and the pups stretch out on the cool tile floors in search of relief. We spritz, we sip, we wait for dusk.

But in just a few days, we’ll be heading west—toward the Central Coast, where ocean breezes and eucalyptus groves await. It’s time to launch our Traveler’s Gallery: a plein air painting journey and puppy-scouting adventure rolled into one. This vintage road trip is part art, part heart, and part mission—to socialize these soulful pups, share my artwork, and connect with kindred spirits along the way.

One of those kindred spirits might just be waiting for Marigold—my little golden survivor. Born last and nearly lost, she’s grown into a bright, gentle beauty. And now, she may be heading to a forever home with CoCo’s daughter, Nani, and her husband. CoCo is a fellow artist and longtime friend, and I can’t think of a better match. Nani and her husband are still choosing (how could you not fall in love with them all?), but I have a feeling Marigold is the one. She's spirited yet tender—like the best kind of painting, full of hidden strength and golden light.

This is the first of many stories from the road. I’ll be posting about our plein air sessions, puppy playdates, and the places that inspire both my brush and my soul. If you’re nearby or following along from afar, thank you. Every kind word, every shared story, every possible home for a pup—it all matters deeply to me.

From the furnace of the desert to the cool whispers of the coast—
The journey begins.

With gratitude and a sunhat,
Nancy Catherine Rump
NCRumpFineArt.com | @ncrumpfineart