Like many doodlers out there, I cannot leave home without my sketching materials in my pocket. We never know when we’ll be  lucky enough to come across some late afternoon light, a pair of rain-soaked windows or perhaps a beautiful landscape.

The point of observational drawing is this almost vain attempt to capture the light of the moment. It’s the art of recording fading impressions, which makes, to me, urban sketching a practice full of magic.

One day I had the idea of meeting people like me, who also have this thing for wandering around with their pocket notebooks, until they are surprised by the right place and the right moment. That’s how Risco Livre came to happen.

Risco Livre first edition took place in the beautiful Parque Lage. My idea with this event was to provide an exchange between urban sketch lovers in Rio de Janeiro.

At this first meeting, we were lucky enough to be welcomed by a lovely sunny day. Some people also brought food and live music to the gardens. I can only thank São Pedro and everyone that joined us in this beautiful, creative and collective experience. Long live Risco Livre!

* Photos taken by dearest Luiza de Andrade and Mathilde Missioneiro