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After dropping my wife off at work, I decided to look for an appropriate subject for a quick sketch. Having driven by the little Hobby Shop on Fourth Avenue South many times, I could never find the right spot to park and execute a drawing.

This day, I noticed a vacant handicap spot (for which I qualify) facing north and decided to try that. A large shrub obscured the side of the building facing me, which I found rather boring, but I decided to forge ahead anyway.

A park bench sits on that side, and I decided to include it in the drawing. As I was laying it out, a gentleman came and sat down. Soon he was joined by a small group of what appeared to be friends of his. By adding him and one of the other group, it suddenly made the drawing much more interesting.

No longer was the large shrub an issue. As I was sketching, I observed the long shadow cast by the chimney leading to the signpost, which flowed down to the figures. Just a happy accident of design.

The little building is not architecturally exceptional, but to me is one of Edmonds most iconic images. Surrounded by many contemporary structures, it alone stands unique. I've always loved it.