Sign painter working inside an open San Francisco lettering workshop

Inside the workshop, a painter seen from behind leans over a panel laid flat and guides a fine brush along large letters. The workbench is crowded with open tins, cloths and tools; tall painted boards and a framed sign surround the scene. Through the raised doorway, the hanging sign and cars on the street remain in view. The composition centres on the hand, brush and painted surface. The words visible in the image are described as lettering rather than proof of a particular commission, method or completed panel.