Reykjavík Sketcher
Hand-Drawn Architectural Sketches of Iceland - created by Architect Sonia Nicolson
Discover Reykjavík’s buildings, homes, and hidden corners captured in timeless ink drawings. Each piece tells a story of Iceland’s architecture and everyday life - drawn by hand, from observation, by a local artist and architect.
“Absolutely beautiful! Arrived quickly and perfectly packaged”
Anna, UK
Meet the Artist - Sonia Nicolson-Guðrúnarson
I’m a chartered architect with a lifelong love of hand drawing. When I moved from Scotland to Reykjavík in 2016, I began sketching the city’s buildings as a way to connect with my new home.
What started as a quiet daily sketching practice soon became a digital sketchbook - part exhibition, part diary - as I began sharing my drawings online. People started asking to buy prints, commission their homes, and tell me the stories behind the buildings I sketched.
That’s how Reykjavík Sketcher was born, one winter evening, while I sat downtown waiting for my husband, sketching the streets around me. I never really stopped.
Browse Originals & Prints
Hand-drawn architectural sketches ready to purchase perfect for art lovers, travellers, and anyone who calls Iceland home
All artworks are protected by copyright. Purchase does not include reproduction or commercial use.
Licensing available on request.
Byggingar / Architecture
Architecture has always been at the heart of my creative practice. These sketches explore Reykjavík’s buildings, streets, and iconic structures through the lens of an architect - focusing on linework, proportion, and atmosphere. Each drawing is a hand-crafted tribute to Icelandic architecture and the urban spaces that make the city so inspiring.
Hús / Houses
Reykjavík’s colourful corrugated houses have become a signature subject in my work. I love capturing their shape, texture, and personality through quick, expressive hand drawings. Each sketch celebrates the unique character of Icelandic homes and neighbourhoods, offering a nostalgic and authentic piece of local architecture for your wall.
Kirkjur / Churches
Iceland’s churches are some of the country’s most iconic architectural landmarks, and I love sketching their form, detail, and character. These hand-drawn church illustrations celebrate Icelandic design, history, and culture, from Reykjavík’s beloved Hallgrímskirkja to smaller coastal chapels. Perfect for anyone who loves architecture, travel art, or meaningful pieces with a sense of place.
Land & Haf / Land & Sea
As an architect and urban sketcher living in Reykjavík, I’m endlessly inspired by Iceland’s coastline, harbours, and ever-changing light. These hand-drawn sketches capture the peaceful rhythm of land meeting sea, from quiet harbour mornings to windswept views. Each illustration is created on location or from my sketchbook studies, bringing a sense of calm, Icelandic beauty into your home.
Kaffihús & Veitingastaðir / Cafés & Restaurants
Cafés and restaurants are where Reykjavík’s creative energy lives. I sketch these spaces to capture the warmth, atmosphere, and architectural details that make them so unique. These drawings bring the cosy café culture of Iceland to life - ideal for kitchen walls, gifts for coffee lovers, or anyone who wants a piece of Reykjavík’s daily charm.
“I absolutely love Sonia’s work! She is so talented and was really able to bring my vision to life. Absolutely love my pieces from her! Highly recommend!”
Candice, UK
Popular Prints
Inspired by life in Iceland
Urban sketching school
In this masterclass, we explore urban sketching. Using Techniques from Architectural Sketching, you will learn how to hand-draw urban sketches to either fill A sketchbook on your travels, creatively document A cityscape and have fun drawing.
✔️ Introduction to urban sketching & hand drawing
✔️ Learn the basics & get creative with the process
✔️ Explore scale, perspective & how to add people
✔️ Explore some advanced architecture techniques
✔️ Make your sketchbook, draw onsite or from photos
