Chicago Home Portraits - Drawings of Chicago Residental Architecture

I've been inspired by the unique charm and character of Chicago's neighborhoods, each with its own distinct style and history. From the courtyards of Rogers Park to the rowhouses of Pullman, every drawing tells a story of the city's rich architectural heritage. 

Here's a big gallery of our drawings.

How were the drawings created?

For the black and white drawings: I start with a pencil sketch, then use pen and ink, using a set square, then erase the pencil lines, then re-add pencil shading for for more greyscale tones. For color: those start with a pencil sketch, then are inked in, then colored using a variety of brushes in Procreate. I've drawn over one thousand Chicago homes and buildings and have also had help over the years from fantastic assistants.

How long do they take to draw?

It depends on the particular home/building, but I'd estimate the average is about four hours. The real limiting factor, I find, is the number of windows. When I see a building with a ton of windows, I know I'm in for a long haul.

Are you interested in a custom home portrait of your own?

Have you ever wanted a beautiful, detailed drawing of your home to cherish forever? You're in the right place: I can create a custom drawing of your home that captures every detail, just like the ones you see in this blog post.

How does it work?

Here's a page with more background. Or if you just want to see fees and options and book the home portrait, visit this page. After that, simply reach out to us with a photo of your home and any specific details you want to include in the drawing. We'll create stunning representation of your home, complete with intricate details.

Why choose a custom drawing?

A custom drawing of your home is a unique and personal piece of art that captures the essence of your home in a way that photographs can't (though we absolutely love architecture photography, too--but sometimes a drawing means that you can take liberties in removing, say, a tree that blocks the whole home). It's something you can cherish for generations.