Ugly Sketch Walk. Angels
About the event
Welcome to Ugly Sketch Walk — a monthly creative walk around Rome where we use sketching as a way to slow down, notice more, and experience the city differently. This isn't about making beautiful drawings. It's about paying attention. Looking a little longer. Trying something new. And spending a couple of hours with curious people in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
No drawing experience is needed. No pressure. No expectations. Just bring your sketchbook and your curiosity.
Why "Ugly"?
I called it Ugly Sketch Walk because I spent years believing I needed to draw *well* before I could enjoy drawing. Nothing changed until I gave myself permission to make terrible sketches. Ironically, that's when drawing became fun again. So that's our only goal: to make wonderfully imperfect sketches. Nobody's judging. Nobody's grading. Nobody's even looking. *(Unless you want to share!)* Just a playful invitation to slow down, get curious, and experience Rome in a more creative way.
This Month's Theme: Angels
Most people know Castel Sant'Angelo because of Dan Brown's *Angels & Demons*. But the angels of Rome have been here much longer than the novel. Throughout the city, they appear in unexpected places: in the name of a castle, on bridges, in sculptures, in paintings, on church façades and high above the streets. This month, we'll use them as our creative lens. We'll look at how artists have portrayed angels over the centuries, then head outside and see where traces of them appear in the city around us—in light, movement, reflections and atmosphere, all set against the golden colours of autumn, the Tiber, and the sunset over one of Rome's most beautiful bridges. By the end of the walk, you might start noticing that Rome has far more angels than you ever expected.
Our Route
We'll meet at Ponte Sant'Angelo, one of the most beautiful bridges in Rome and the perfect place to begin our walk. From there we'll cross the bridge slowly, stopping to look at Bernini's angels and the details that most people rush past. We'll continue around Castel Sant'Angelo, exploring the stories behind its name before following the Lungotevere, where the river, autumn light and changing colours create one of Rome's most beautiful seasonal landscapes. At each stop I'll share a short story to set the scene before we spend time sketching, observing and simply enjoying this corner of the city together.
Creative Challenge
Every walk begins with a small creative challenge inspired by the theme of the month. I'll keep this one a surprise until we meet.
What this is (and isn't)
This isn't an art class, and it isn't a traditional guided tour. I'm not here to teach perspective, anatomy or perfect technique. Think of me as a creative companion who brings together an interesting corner of Rome, a monthly theme, a few stories to spark curiosity, and time to explore with a sketchbook in your hands. I'll happily offer ideas if you're feeling stuck, but there's no right way to draw here. The sketchbook is simply a tool to help us notice things we would normally walk past. Who is this for? This walk is for you if...
• you've always wanted to sketch but never knew where to begin; • you think you "can't draw"; • your sketchbooks are mostly empty because you're afraid to ruin the first page; • you love wandering through cities without rushing; • you're curious about Rome beyond ticking landmarks off a list; • you'd like to spend an afternoon with creative, open-minded people.
If you already draw every day, you're just as welcome.
What to bring
Bring whatever you enjoy drawing with. A small sketchbook that's comfortable to hold while standing works best, along with simple materials for quick sketches—pencils, pens, markers, fineliners, coloured pencils or pastels.
After the walk
Every Ugly Sketch Walk ends the same way: with the option to continue the evening over an aperitivo. Each month I'll choose a different local place nearby—somewhere I'd happily…
