Hi, I’m Sophie - the person behind Little House in the Painting.

This all started as a bit of a last-minute solution, really. I painted a few houses as Christmas gifts for friends and family, then did a couple for birthdays and engagements too. It always seemed to answer that impossible question: “What do you get someone who already has everything?”

My painting process is pretty relaxed. I usually start by looking over the reference photo and noting which details are staying and which ones might be left out. Once I’ve sorted that, I trace out the main elements, then lay down the first washes — usually the sky, some greenery, and a soft base for the house. From there, I work my way around the piece bit by bit.

I use a mix of traditional watercolours, watercolour graphite palettes, and a bit of gouache when I want to add extra depth. The combination gives a really lovely finish — soft, but with texture and a little grain in places that adds something extra.

What I’m really trying to capture in each painting is the feeling of the home. Sometimes that’s in the small things — a bike in the driveway, a few potted plants, a post box. I love including those little touches that feel personal. I’ve always been someone who wonders about the stories behind houses — who lived there, what memories were made. A bit nosy, maybe, but in a gentle way!

I’m a daydreamer by nature, and painting gives me space to indulge in that. I really enjoy sharing progress pics and updates as I go — whether that’s a quick sketch or a video of a painting coming to life. It’s a calm, thoughtful process for me, and I like bringing others into that.

More than anything, I hope that when someone sees their little house in the painting, it gives them a sense of calm, nostalgia, and comfort. Whether it’s a family home that’s been sold, a place full of happy memories, or just somewhere that means something special — I love helping people hold onto that feeling.

Because really, a house is never just a house.