We report a direct synthesis of single-layer, bi-layer, and multi-layer graphene films on a nickel grid surface by chemical vapor decomposition of liquid precursor benzene. The direct route, by avoiding several wet chemical steps and accompanying mechanical stresses and contamination common to all presently reported graphene transfer to microscopy grid method, enables providing pristine microstructure information for as-prepared graphene films. A liquid precursor based growth route opens a new door to tailor the electronic properties of graphene by doping heteroatoms using various organic liquids containing the dopant atoms. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.