Shanghai launches International Illustration Festival

"It is very interesting for me to see the grand buildings and different streets here in Shanghai. Chinese illustrators are showing great skills in their creations, and their styles are quite different from Japanese illustrators as well. They have beautiful drawings and are especially good at presenting brilliant scenes," said Rolua.

The featured architecture in Shanghai also captivated Ugo Gattoni, whose illustrations are usually rich in detail, playing on texture, carefully composed and combining various elements. He was impressed by the Chinese handicrafts and craftsmanship during his first visit to China this summer, which later became his inspiration in creation.

"As an architecture fan, I always feel happy each time when I come to Shanghai and see the buildings. This time (at the festival), I came here and felt the same warm welcome and friendliness. I can meet with the Chinese public who are pretty new to me, share some about my ideas and draw here. It is also very amazing and impressive to see so many and different works here," said Gattoni.