Pansy sketch and unexpected city colors!

I had to work this weekend and was determined to do some sketching before I started!

It was pretty sunny today in Chicago so I chose a shaded spot near the southwest Loop.

City workers already started filling the downtown street planters so I picked one filled with pansies to draw. Just a simple pen and ink sketch of a solid yellow bloom.

But I noticed something.

Across the alleyway, behind the building on Washington and Franklin Street was a lovely green fire escape. You know how I just love all things green....so I had to get a picture! Here's what it looked like.

The metal ladders, trim, and emergency fire exits were all a soft, slightly muted patina with a hint of kelly green. Just gorgeous!

I actually ended up on private property to get this shot but it was worth it. And yes, I would totally have climbed up the fire escape to get a better look at the color and details if I could! LOL

Just below the escape ladders was a row of fire-engine red dumpsters neatly lining the alley.

Very intense color! Surprisingly clean too!

And right next to this building was a small parking lot. The main pay booth was a shocking yellow! (You can see the fire escape in the distance).

So many bright colors so close to one another. How unexpected! Just wanted to share my nerd-filled discoveries with you all!