Mrs Copley added: “We found her bold colours and intricate detail so engaging and admired her approach of painting life as she saw it around her, just as LS Lowry did.
“We hope she continues to pursue and develop her wonderful artistic talents. We would like to thank and commend all of the entrants of this year’s Copley Prize, and encourage them all to keep producing fantastic artwork.”
Claire Stewart, curator of the LS Lowry collection, said: “LS Lowry spent a lot of time on the streets of Manchester and just painted what he saw.
“What is marvellous about Sophia’s picture is that she has done the same.
“She has painted just what she might see on a walk through town and filled it with colour and vitality. It’s a very worthy winner.”
The painting will be on display at the Lowry theatre for a year with the Woking-born artist’s work expected to be viewed by up to 100,000 visitors.
