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'Each old building is a vessel shaped by the unique stories of its inhabitants. I love to capture these little clues of prior existence, from replaced roof slates to weather-worn brickwork.'

COMMISSIONS

Commissioning a custom architectural portrait allows you to capture the beauty and character of a building in a timeless piece of art. Whether it’s a cherished home, a landmark hotel, university building or corporate headquarters, Sophie will create a bespoke drawing or painting tailored to your vision. Sophie's work has been commissioned by clients around the world, from private collectors to major institutions such as Cambridge University and the National Trust.

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Styles

Sophie works in a range of styles, from lively, expressive sketches to highly detailed pencil drawings. No matter the approach, her focus is always on capturing the character of a building. With a background in architecture and building history, she has a strong understanding of historic structures and what makes them unique.

Sizing and Pricing

​​All commissions are created on 100% cotton, acid-free 300gsm watercolour paper.

Prices are in Canadian Dollar (CAD) and do not include shipping, which depends on size and location. Standard sizes have been chosen for ease of framing, but custom dimensions and bespoke compositions are available upon request.​

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1. Sketch Portrait

A loose, energetic pen and ink/watercolour sketch of your favorite building, full of life and movement. Created on cold-pressed watercolour paper.

 

4x6 in – $225

8x10 in – $375

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Option: Add 25 postcards – $75

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2. Full Portrait

A detailed pen and ink/watercolour rendering, capturing the depth and character of the building. Also available as a fineliner drawing without colour.

Created on cold-pressed watercolour paper.

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8x10in – $1,125

11x14in – $1,575

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Option: Add 25 postcards – $75

Add 25 greeting cards – $125

3. Signature Pencil Portrait

A highly detailed pencil drawing, focusing on intricate textures and fine architectural details. Created on hot-pressed watercolour paper.

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4x6in – $675

8x10in – $1,575

11x14in – $2,925

18x24in – $6,750

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Option: Add 25 postcards – $75

Add 25 greeting cards – $125

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4. Multiple Buildings, Courtyards & Streetscapes

An intricately detailed bespoke piece, perfect for universities, hotels, and landmark celebrations. These large-scale, highly detailed compositions are created to capture the grandeur of architectural spaces.

Price on application, starting at $10,000.

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The Process

 

A commission begins with a discussion about your experience of the building and what you hope to create. Where possible, this will be followed by an in-person visit to observe the building from all angles and take detailed photographs. For international and further-afield projects Sophie is able to work from high-quality photographs provided by you.

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  1. Consultation – Sophie will discuss your preferred style, size, and any details you’d like highlighted.

  2. Proposal & Deposit – A 50% deposit secures your commission.

  3. Creation – Sophie will begin working on your piece and provide updates along the way.

  4. Completion & Delivery – Once finalized, the remaining balance is due before carefully packaging and shipping your artwork.

'Sophie created an architectural drawing of my house in Cape Cod, Massachusetts a couple years ago. It came out incredible!! I have it hanging on my wall and continue to be amazed by the amount of detail that went into it. The essence of the house is truly captured with pencil and paper. Definitely a work of art!'

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Mark N., Private House, USA

FAQ

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How long does a commission take?

Sketch portraits can take as little as 2-4 weeks, while full-color or pencil portraits can take 3-6 months. If you have a specific deadline, please let Sophie know in advance.

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Do you ship internationally?

Yes! Sophie regularly ships work worldwide. Shipping costs depend on size and location and will be calculated before final payment.

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Can I request a custom size?

Absolutely! While Sophie offers standard sizes for easy framing, she is happy to create a piece in a custom size or format to suit your space.

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Can you include multiple buildings in one portrait?

The listed prices are for a single building per portrait. If you'd like multiple buildings in one piece, please contact Sophie for a custom quote.

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Do you offer framing?

At this time, Sophie does not offer framing, but she can guide you on selecting the best frame for your artwork.

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What if I want changes to the final piece?

Sophie shares progress updates throughout the process to ensure the artwork aligns with your vision. However, due to the nature of watercolor and pencil work, major revisions are not possible once the piece is completed.

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Get Started

 

Sophie would love to create a one-of-a-kind architectural portrait for you. To begin, please fill out the form below or email Sophie at

sophiemcilwaineart@gmail.com.

Commission Enquiry

Artwork style
It doesn't have to be detailed - a screenshot will do!
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