As part of the 2026 edition of the Latitudes Festival — Literature and Travellers — held in Óbidos, Mónica Cid led two daily drawing workshops dedicated to direct observation.

Curated by the writer José Luís Peixoto and organised by Câmara Municipal de Óbidos, in partnership with Óbidos Criativa and the bookshop Ler Devagar, the festival is part of Óbidos’ broader identity as a UNESCO Creative City of Literature, transforming the village into a vibrant meeting point for stories, journeys, and artistic exchange.

Open to curious minds, beginners, experienced practitioners, and drawing enthusiasts alike, these sessions invited participants to slow down, observe attentively, and translate their surroundings onto paper. Set within the unique atmosphere of Óbidos — a village rich in character and endlessly inspiring to draw — the workshops became a shared journey of looking, recording, and discovering.

Working with participants of diverse backgrounds and skill levels, Mónica fostered an inclusive and engaging environment, where individual perspectives, interests, and talents could emerge through drawing.

At its core, the experience was grounded in a simple yet powerful practice: observing the world with care and capturing it through the hand — a process that connects perception, memory, and expression.

Mónica would like to warmly thank the festival’s curator, organisers, partners, and all participants who contributed to making this experience both meaningful and memorable.