iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Michael Nobbs @michaelnobbs.bsky.social · 18h

It’s a beautiful morning here in Wales and I was excited to come out and record my #MorningView today. I hope there’s some sunshine, either real or metaphorical, where you are today. Go gently ❤️🐌 #MECFS #pwME #Wales #CreativeHabit

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Michael Nobbs @michaelnobbs.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Still very tired today, but pleased to have made it out to my gate to look at my #MorningView. I think I'm going to make sending out this post, my One Thing for today. Wishing you as gentle a day as you need ❤️🐌 #MECFS #pwME #Wales #CreativeHabit

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Michael Nobbs @michaelnobbs.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

I’m starting the week feeling very tired, but was cheered by today’s #MorningView. I hope your week is starting well and that you can give yourself the week you need. Go gently ❤️🐌 #MECFS #pwME #Wales #CreativeHabit

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Michael Nobbs @michaelnobbs.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

It's raining as I record my #MorningView today, so I'm going to scurry straight back indoors with my mug of tea. Have a gentle day ❤️🐌 #MECFS #pwME #Wales #CreativeHabit

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Michael Nobbs @michaelnobbs.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Have you watched @koosjekoene.bsky.social’s latest Draw Tip Tuesday video? This week she’s sharing a sketchbook full of wonderful summer drawings — and wondering whether it was worth paying extra for 100% cotton paper youtu.be/TobkMy2fnTo?...

youtu.be

A Summer Visual Diary (Sketchbook Tour)Latest Draw Tip Tuesday Video

YouTube video by Koosje Koene | Draw Tip Tuesday

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Michael Nobbs @michaelnobbs.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Good morning 🙂 Here's today's #MorningView. I think the sky is looking particularly beautiful today. Wishing you a gentle day ❤️🐌

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Michael Nobbs @michaelnobbs.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

@funkyalchemist.bsky.social Good morning, Alistair. I hope your day is starting well :)

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Michael Nobbs @michaelnobbs.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

@quietaction.bsky.social Good morning, Mair, thank you very much for the re-posts ❤️🐌

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Michael Nobbs @michaelnobbs.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

There’s been a bit of a shift with my morning drawing this month. I’m noticing that I’m increasingly looking forward to and enjoying my early morning drawing time — rather than feeling anxious as the compulsion to draw takes over while I pour my morning tea! This is a welcome change of pace 🙂❤️🐌

Black pen-and-ink drawing across an open pocket sketchbook. On the left is a loose self-portrait of a bald man wearing large round glasses, seen close-up from the shoulders. On the right is a large teapot with its lid, handle and spout drawn prominently. Patterned fabric and small surrounding objects fill the background. Across the top is the handwritten text, “5:10 am — I wonder what’s going to happen exciting today?” The drawing is dated 24-9-26.

Photograph of an open pocket sketchbook resting on a red-and-white patterned book on a bed. The sketchbook contains a black pen-and-ink drawing of a self-portrait beside a large teapot, with the handwritten A. A. Milne quote, “I wonder what’s going to happen exciting today?” written across the top. Behind it sits a round mirror reflecting the artist holding a yellow phone, alongside an orange insulated mug, a white jug and drawing pens on a blue patterned tea tray.

Close-up of a self-portrait drawn in dark red Neocolor crayon across an open pocket sketchbook. The bald head and large round glasses are strongly outlined, with small dark eyes, a moustache and short beard indicated with loose marks. Broad, heavily textured red strokes form a dark background around the head, especially along the top and right side. The lower part of the drawing loosely suggests the shoulders and the front of a T-shirt.

Photograph of a dark red Neocolor self-portrait in an open pocket sketchbook resting on a red-and-white patterned book on a bed. The drawing shows a bald man with large round glasses, moustache and short beard, surrounded by broad textured red marks. Behind the sketchbook is a round mirror reflecting the artist, with an orange insulated mug, a white jug and other morning drawing materials arranged on a blue patterned tea tray.

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Michael Nobbs @michaelnobbs.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

I recently started a new series over on my Patreon called Drawing Inspiration. For the third in the series, I’m leafing through two issues of Dan Price’s wonderful Moonlight Chronicles. Join me to see how two of my drawing heroes met for the first time ✍️😀 www.patreon.com/gogently/pos...

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Michael Nobbs @michaelnobbs.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

I'm late posting today's #MorningView again. I recorded it first thing after a sleepless night, but then fell asleep before I managed to post it 😴💤 I hope your day is going well (with plenty of naps in it, if needed) ❤️🐌 #MECFS #pwME #Wales #CreativeHabit

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Michael Nobbs @michaelnobbs.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

I'm later than usual today posting today's #MorningView. So lovely to see everything looking so green and to feel it wet underfoot after such a hot, dry summer. Have a gentle day ❤️🐌 #MECFS #pwME #Wales #CreativeHabit

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Michael Nobbs @michaelnobbs.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

@apbiu.bsky.social thank you for the repost. Much appreciated 🙏🙂

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Michael Nobbs @michaelnobbs.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

After seeing my friend @cathrynworrell.bsky.social's lovely Selfietember drawing yesterday, I woke up excited to draw and try a Neocolor II myself. So excited, in fact, that I started before I’d even poured out my tea 😀🖍🫖 www.patreon.com/cathrynworre... #Selfietember2026 #MorningDrawing #GoGently

Photograph of an early-morning drawing setup on a bed. A small self-portrait sketchbook page rests on top of a larger red-and-white patterned sketchbook, with a round mirror, striped ceramic jug and drawing materials nearby. In the mirror, the artist’s face, round glasses and yellow-cased phone are reflected. The self-portrait is drawn in deep blue Neocolor II crayon, with bold glasses, facial features and a dark blue area around the head. Handwritten notes include “5.00 am”, the date “22-9-26” and, written in ink down the right-hand side, “LOOKING FORWARD TO MY TEA”.

Close-up photograph of a self-portrait on a small sketchbook page. The face is drawn in dark blue Neocolor II crayon with large round glasses, a bald head, moustache and beard, and one eye looking slightly upwards. Dense blue crayon fills much of the background around the head, with rough, textured marks left visible. At the top are the handwritten time “5.00 am” and date “22-9-26”. Down the right-hand side, in black ink lettering, are the words “LOOKING FORWARD TO MY TEA”. A black pen and blue Neocolor II crayon lie beside the drawing on the red-and-white patterned sketchbook.

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Michael Nobbs @michaelnobbs.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Good morning 😊 It's a lovely mizzly morning at my gate today. Have a lovely gentle day ❤️🐌 #MorningView #MECFS #pwME #Wales #CreativeHabit

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Michael Nobbs @michaelnobbs.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

It's been quite a while since I've posted the #MorningView from my gate. I'm wondering if it's a habit I can get back to... Today, everything's looking rather lovely and green after some much needed sustained rain. Wishing you a gentle day ❤️🐌 #MECFS #pwME #Wales #CreativeHabit

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Reposted by Michael Nobbs

Wil Freeborn @freeborn.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

A flick through of my summer 26 watercolour sketchbook

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Michael Nobbs @michaelnobbs.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

📕 75 Ways to Draw More is back! 📕 I made this little booklet 18 years ago and recently rediscovered the original files. Today I’m sharing them again in a free Patreon post, so you can print them out and make your own copy. 😀✏️ www.patreon.com/gogently/pos... #75WaysToDrawMore ❤️🐌

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Michael Nobbs @michaelnobbs.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

I've just seen this exhibition of Tove Jansson's illustrations opens at the new Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration in November. I'd love to see it. How about you? ❤️🐌 qbcentre.org.uk/exhibitions/...

qbcentre.org.uk

Tove Jansson and her Families | Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration

The world’s largest dedicated space for illustration, founded by Quentin Blake and producing collaborative exhibitions and creative projects.

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Michael Nobbs @michaelnobbs.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Look what I rediscovered after eighteen years… 👀 📕 75 Ways to Draw More 📕 On Saturday I’m making the original files available again in a free Patreon post, so you can print them out and make your own little copy. #75WaysToDrawMore ❤️🐌 www.patreon.com/c/gogently

Michael sitting in his studio, smiling at the camera and holding up a handmade copy of 75 Ways to Draw More. The booklet has a bright orange cover with hand-drawn lettering showing the title.

Michael holding up a copy of 75 Ways to Draw more, open to an Illustrated page showing some of the drawing prompts from the booklet, numbered 43–55 suggesting everyday ways to draw more, including drawing while waiting for the kettle to boil, drawing the contents of your bag, setting a timer for fifteen minutes, drawing while watching TV, and opening a random cupboard and drawing what you see. A small drawing of a radio and a packet of Nurofen tablets decorate the page, which has a blue background.

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Michael Nobbs @michaelnobbs.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

A great drawing made with an exciting find! ❤️🐌

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Michael Nobbs @michaelnobbs.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Lovely, Helen! 🌻😍❤️🐌

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Michael Nobbs @michaelnobbs.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

For the last three years I’ve started every new sketchbook at the back and worked forwards — my way of avoiding that intimidating first page. That habit may finally be changing… There’s a new sketchbook tour on Patreon today ❤️🐌 www.patreon.com/gogently/pos...

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Reposted by Michael Nobbs

Koosje Koene @koosjekoene.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Shadow is what can make your drawing feel real. Today, I sketch some potted plants, then build shadow first with a simple gray wash before adding any color. It changes everything about how the piece comes together. Watch here: youtu.be/Ollg_fyWlQc

youtu.be

Why Shadow Should Never Be an Afterthought

YouTube video by Koosje Koene | Draw Tip Tuesday

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Michael Nobbs @michaelnobbs.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

I found an old Sharpie yesterday and left it beside my bed so I could draw with it when I woke. After a better night’s sleep than I’ve had in a while, I drew this at 4.00 am. I’m really enjoying the extra space in my new A4 Fabriano sketchbook. Day 13 of #Selfietember2026 ❤️🐌

An open A4 sketchbook resting on a red-and-grey checked duvet. A bold black Sharpie self-portrait stretches across both pages, showing my face in glasses against a heavily inked black background. Below the portrait I’ve written, “I slept through until 4.00am,” with the date 13-9-26. Beside the sketchbook is a round wooden-framed mirror reflecting part of my face and the yellow phone I’m using to take the photo. A green teapot, patterned blue notebook and Sharpie are also visible nearby.

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Michael Nobbs @michaelnobbs.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Woke at 4.00 am from a dream about a friend I’m no longer in touch with, and reached for my mirror and sketchbook before the teapot. Still blurry-eyed from sleep, I drew quickly — and I think partly from memory. Day 10 of #Selfietember ❤️🐌

Close-up of the open sketchbook on checked bedding. The self-portrait is drawn in black ink across two pages, with oversized round glasses, one carefully drawn eye, a bald head and loose marks for the beard. “4:00” is written at the top right, and the lower part of the drawing is filled with bright orange with a few blue marks.

A bedside scene on red, grey and cream checked bedding. An open sketchbook holds a loose ink self-portrait with large round glasses, sparse beard marks and an orange shirt. A round mirror above reflects Michael wearing dark blue glasses and holding a yellow phone. A tin of crayons sits at the upper left.

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Michael Nobbs @michaelnobbs.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

I love this by Craig 😍🖖 Star Trek: TNG is one of my favourite comfort programmes. Something to return to again and again (and again). 🖖🖖🖖

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Michael Nobbs @michaelnobbs.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Still awake and drawing myself at 4.00 am for #Selfietember — but feeling much more chipper today after a solid seven hours’ sleep 😀 Day 8 ❤️🐌

A bedside scene at 4.00 am. A round mirror reflects my face as I sit propped up in bed wearing dark-rimmed glasses. In front of the mirror is an open sketchbook containing a black ink self-portrait, with an orange travel mug to one side.

Close-up of the open sketchbook showing a black ink self-portrait. The drawing shows my bald head, round glasses, beard and moustache in loose, bold lines. Underneath I’ve written: “8-9-26 Still awake and drawing at 4:00am, but after much more sleep.”

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Michael Nobbs @michaelnobbs.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

Drawing myself at 4.00 am seems to be becoming a bit of a thing 🫤

A black-ink self-portrait drawing lying on a red, grey and cream checked duvet, beside a dark blue fountain pen. At the top right, a round mirror reflects a bald man with round blue glasses holding a yellow phone. The drawing shows the same view, with glasses, beard and moustache, and is handwritten “another 4:00am me. 6-9-26”.

Close-up of the black-ink self-portrait on white paper, resting on the checked duvet with a dark blue fountain pen alongside. The loose line drawing shows a bald head, round glasses, beard and moustache, with the words “another 4:00am me. 6-9-26” written underneath.

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Michael Nobbs @michaelnobbs.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

A rather sleepless night, but at least there was some drawing. I spent a while trying to see and draw myself in the dark. Now it’s time to make some tea and decide that the day has started… #Selfietember2026 ❤️🐌

A sketchbook open on a plaid bedspread, with a round tabletop mirror behind it. In the mirror I’m reflected wearing blue glasses and an orange top, holding a yellow phone. The sketchbook shows a loose self-portrait in black ink, with bright blue glasses and an orange shirt. Beneath it I’ve written, “4:00am Trying to see myself in the dark.”

Close-up of the sketchbook drawing: a loose self-portrait in black ink with bright blue glasses and a large area of orange for my shirt. The portrait is framed by a roughly drawn oval, and underneath it is handwritten, “4:00am Trying to see myself in the dark.”

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Michael Nobbs @michaelnobbs.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

I've been unboxing a couple of new toys over on my Patreon — one hi-tech, the other decidedly low-tech (it's to help with my current self-portrait drawing 😀). Curious about what I've bought? You can take a seven-day free trial and have a look: www.patreon.com/gogently/pos...

patreon.com

Video Short #69: Unboxing two things to help me create stuff 📦📦😀 | Michael Nobbs

Hello gentle friends My energy is rather unpredictable (and in short supply!) at the moment, and so I’ve decided to just seize the moment wh

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Michael Nobbs @michaelnobbs.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Eyeballing myself in my new mirror for today’s #Selfietember drawing 😬😊 A little disconcerting, but it meant I could draw without reaching for my phone or turning on my laptop first — no rabbit-hole temptations. Happy selfie drawing if you’re joining in ❤️🐌

Morning drawing setup on a tartan-covered bed: a hand-drawn self-portrait in an open sketchbook beside a small round mirror, yellow teapot, white mug, orange flask mug and patterned tray

Close-up of the black ink self-portrait: a bald, bearded man wearing large glasses, drawn with bold, loose lines while looking slightly sideways.

Lower part of the open sketchbook showing the handwritten note, “Eyeballing myself in my new mirror. A bit of a disconcerting experience!” with the date 4-9-26.

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Michael Nobbs @michaelnobbs.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Day three of #Selfietember2026. I found an old Bic biro this morning and used it for my early morning self-portrait. Still rather bleary-eyed, but very happy to be drawing with my morning tea again. ❤️🐌 Are you joining in with some selfie drawing this month? www.patreon.com/suzancolon/p...

Close-up of an open sketchbook on a tartan bedspread, showing a blue biro self-portrait of a bald man with round glasses and a beard. An orange mug sits beside the sketchbook on a blue tray patterned with hens, and a blue Bic biro lies across the bottom of the page.

Wider view of an early morning drawing setup on a bed. A laptop displays the reference selfie of a bald man with blue round glasses, while the sketchbook in front shows the finished blue biro portrait. Beside it are an orange mug of tea, a small white jug, a green teapot and a hen-patterned tray. ❤️🐌

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Michael Nobbs @michaelnobbs.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Slept through until 5.00 am, made some tea and drew myself. It feels like I’m already winning today 😬😀 I’m planning a Pyjama Day, but hoping I might make it out to my studio for a little while later. Have you got any gentle plans for the day? #Selfietember2026 #MorningDrawing #Drawing

Open sketchbook on a patterned bedspread beside a tea tray. The page shows a bold self-portrait in black ink with bright blue glasses, a turquoise background and a red top. Below it is handwritten text: “I slept until 5:00 am. That counts as a win these days!” A mug, teapot, crayons and fountain pen sit nearby.

Close-up of the lower half of the sketchbook page, showing the red clothing beneath the self-portrait and the handwritten words: “I slept until 5:00 am. That counts as a win these days!” The date 2-9-26 is written at the bottom.

Closer view of the self-portrait in an open sketchbook: a bald, bearded face drawn in black ink, with oversized bright blue glasses, a turquoise background and red clothing. A mug, crayons and black fountain pen are visible on the tray beside the drawing.

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Michael Nobbs @michaelnobbs.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

I’m joining in with #selfietember2026, but am planning to keep things gentle — a self-portrait with my morning tea on days I feel able. Would you like to join me?

Closer view of the black-ink self-portrait: a bald, bearded man wearing glasses, drawn with loose, bold lines. The drawing rests beside a bright green teapot, a black fountain pen and a blue cloth patterned with chickens.

A morning self-portrait drawing in black ink lying on a bed beside a bright green teapot and patterned cloth. A laptop above the drawing shows the reference photo: a bald, bearded man wearing blue glasses and an orange T-shirt.

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Michael Nobbs @michaelnobbs.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Hello Bluesky, it's been quite a while. I'm slowly getting back to some old online routines after a health dip. I'm hoping to be posting at least semi-regularly again. How are you? ❤️🐌

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Michael Nobbs @michaelnobbs.bsky.social · 02/04/2025

Danny’s been sorting through his art supplies and tidying is studio (seeing his newly sharpened pencils is VERY satisfying) 😀

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Michael Nobbs @michaelnobbs.bsky.social · 01/04/2025

It’s spring 😊. Why not paint some flowers with my friend @cathrynworrell.bsky.social 🌸🌼🎨

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Michael Nobbs @michaelnobbs.bsky.social · 01/04/2025

I’m sorry that there hasn’t been a #MorningView yet this week. I’m in bed with a touch of lurgy and haven’t been able to venture as far as my gate. Normal service will resume as soon as possible. #GoGently ❤️🐌 #MECFS #pwME #Artyear #Wales #CreativeHabit

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Michael Nobbs @michaelnobbs.bsky.social · 01/04/2025

It’s Tuesday and that means it’s time for a new Draw Tip Tuesday video from @koosjekoene.bsky.social. This week Koosje is drawing shadows with a ballpoint pen 😊✍️ youtu.be/xrM4pdTi3pw?...

youtu.be

Drawing Shadows Made Simple: Quick Tips & Tricks

YouTube video by Koosje Koene | Draw Tip Tuesday

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Michael Nobbs @michaelnobbs.bsky.social · 28/03/2025

I've just posted a new podcast to my Patreon page. This one is free to listen to, but you will need to join as a free member to do so. www.patreon.com/posts/audio-... Have a lovely weekend. I'm going offline now until Monday morning. #OfflineWeeknd #Artist #pwME #MECFS #GentleCreativity #ArtYear

patreon.com

Audio Short #39: Scaling back plans and wishing you a gentle weekend. | Michael Nobbs

Get more from Michael Nobbs on Patreon

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Michael Nobbs @michaelnobbs.bsky.social · 28/03/2025

Better late than never! Here's today's #MorningView. It's a blustery day with big clouds in the sky. I'm enjoying the energy in the air, but don't have much myself today (or this week!). Have a lovely weekend and #GoGently ❤️🐌 #MECFS #pwME #Artyear #Wales #CreativeHabit

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