Fifth Street

"On Fifth Street," wc/ink on paper, 8x12

Saturday our sketch group headed for Valley Junction, an old shopping and downtown area that was once home to a railroad town before changing its name and losing the railroad connection. The original name stuck to this district, which recovered as a funky, trendy area of shops. There are bars, eateries, art galleries, jewelry shops, and the like plus a great deal of century-old architecture. The main business street is 5th.

Although the day was broiling, it was pleasant enough on a shady bench with a light breeze. I sketched a converted theater on the opposite corner, it's old movie marquee still there. The occupant now is, fittingly, a costume shop where you can get anything from theatrical costumes to Frankenstein masks. The Junction was quite busy that day, despite the oppressive heat. 

This watercolor followed my usual method--graphite sketch, paint then ink, then modify.