The SneakyArt Podcast Ep 72 - Preview the Artist Life with Genine Carvalheira
Oct 3, 2025
Genine Carvalheira, an Ottawa-based artist and former Urban Sketchers president, shares her enlightening journey from designer to full-time artist. She discusses the transformation her art underwent when she previewed retirement, the joy of unlimited creative time, and the challenges of sketching in diverse locations like penguin islands and during a 21-day hike in Norway. Genine also dives into the importance of community in sketching and how social media can influence artistic expression. It's a delightful chat about art, exploration, and belonging.
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Previewing Retirement Opportunity
- Genine's partner offered a chance to "preview retirement" by moving for work and letting her pause her design career.
- That safety net freed her to draw, teach, and explore art full-time in Bogotá.
Drop The "Should" Pressure
- Drop the "should" and give yourself permission to enjoy creative time without pressure.
- Use free time to explore interests rather than forcing long production sessions.
Sketchbook State Of Mind
- A sketchbook habit tunes you to see compositions even when you can't draw in the moment.
- Visual observation builds a mental library that fuels future sketches.
