One of the historical areas of Des Moines is Sherman Hill, a rising area of terrain northwest of downtown that was settled in the late 19th century by the well-to-do after Hoyt Sherman (a brother of the famous Civil War general) built his mansion there in 1877. Later on, as Hoyt Sherman Place it became the home of the Des Moines Women's Club, a theatre and an annual art exhibition.
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| "Sherman Hill Rooflines," wc/ink on paper |
These rooflines are on houses directly behind the theater that occupies the eastern end of the building. It was a lovely, sunny day and I spent considerable time drawing these complicated shapes. Although probably built over a century ago, these houses aren't so ramshackle as they look in this sketch.
This has a dreamlike feel but powerful. The size, shapes and history of the homes on this Hill are strong and rich.
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