Lydia Knox pet portraits

06/08/2024

With Power and Grace, I'm Under Construction.
Astrology and Art notes Aug 6 2024

I'm working on becoming a better person, I want a t-shirt that says “under construction.”

So today I’m going to focus on listening more.

I have some packages to ship out, I want to take a walk at the local park with my little dog. Time seems a little wobbly, normally I can manage it more but during a mercury retrograde I seem to run out of time faster.

I’m hoping to start working on some more art:

I’m open for commissions of pet portraits, trying to raise some funds for R&R rescue. Charging 100 dollars for an 8x10 and 150 for a 9x11. All the proceeds go to this local rescue.

Astrology:

Momma Moon in clean and orderly Virgo connects with the Mercury retrograde. So it’s time to work on self improvements and healing. It may be hard to communicate, so it’s better to listen and not offer advice, unless it’s asked for. This is a good time to make amends if you need to make them, but do so in such a way that you’re focused on cleaning up your side of the street only. The Moon will square against both Mars and Jupiter in Gemini, and will form a t square with Saturn in Pisces, so we have some spiritual ordeals to go through, lots of distractions in the works, so be kind to yourself, and keep it simple.

Red Horse:

’ll do any pet portraits, even horses! However this painting is large, 48x36 inches, oil on canvas, the larger a work is, the easier it is for me to put in the small details.

I loved how powerful and graceful this horse and rider were!

04/08/2024

Lets help these kitties done.
My pet portrait services are up for grabs!!!!
Staring at 100 for an 8x10,
150 for a 9x11

I paint your pet, ALL the proceeds go to R&R Rescue & Resort.
LIMITED TIME OFFER, BOOK YOUR PET PORTRAIT AND HELP R&R TODAY :)

R&R Rescue & Resort

23/07/2024

A lovely Rottie is in need of a foster, if you are experienced with big breeds lmk,

08/07/2024

This is the only outdoor show I'll be doing this year. There are some amazing artists lined up so it's worth the visit.

13/06/2024

Know The Limits
Art and Astrology Notes for June 13 2024

I managed to level up. I walked the dog for 30 min, and now I'm sitting here with an ice pack on my knee and feeling that intense tired feeling that I get after I exert myself. Like I've hit a wall, and my body says, "that's all folks!" I've missed that feeling of being out in nature, of watching a crow swear at a gardener, of feeling the rain that's sure to arrive shortly. I was going to go swimming, but I think I better listen to my body and just rest, drink my giant mug of water, and maybe take a nap. Limits are important, they show me where I can push, just a little bit more, so that I can get stronger, and they also let me know when enough is enough. What's your limit? As a survivor of trauma, I have a hard time juggling too many things in a day. I get that overwhelming feeling, and I just run out of steam to be able to do even the simple things. I have to respect healing, mental, physical and spiritual. When I do that, I get stronger, and things get easier.

Astrology Notes: The moon remains in the organized, practical sign of Virgo, so it's a good idea to practice self care. The Moon opposes Saturn in Pisces, so maybe avoid navigating around guilt and self doubt, and instead, work on making space for your feelings and being ok about things not being perfect, for today. The Sun in Gemini s*xtiles with Chiron in Aries, so it's good to work on addressing our wounds with courage and curiosity. If we feel pain, it's time to talk about it, write about it, share it with a friend who will be there to help us through a difficult situation.

Art; The Girl and her cat. In a private collection, but I'm open to commissions.

https://artoflydiaknox.etsy.com/listing/921499581

09/06/2024

I Want to go Back to the Simple Things
Art and Astrology Notes June 9

Today, I made banana bread, I read a book this morning, and I did my best to avoid scrolling through social media. I chatted with a trusted friend, and am going to focus on doing some spiritual work as well. I’m hoping to do some gardening, and maybe even some art. I guess Mars in Ta**us is reminding me to slow down, to enjoy the basic things in life, and to connect with the earth. Before social media, I lead a pretty simple life, full of books, long walks, music, and sometimes even just laying down in bed and gazing out of the window. I have some good friends coming over for a bit later this afternoon with their dog. I hope our dogs mess ok with their dog. I think it will be ok, we have a plan in place to introduce them to each other safely. My perennial garden is blossoming all over the place, and I am grateful for the people who owned this house before me and planted all those peonies, poppies, hostas, and tiger lilies before me. Yesterday I took some cuttings and brought them into the house, and put them on my ancestors’ altar. How do you connect back to the earth? Magically “ground out” in a mundane manner?

Astrology Notes: There’s a lot of moving pieces in the play today, so I’m going to try to break it down for you. Firstly, Mars shifted over into Ta**us just after the stroke of midnight, slowing things down. We’re being asked to ponder, to focus on comfort, self care and working steadily towards abundance, and that’s ok, steady as she goes? However, Mars will be challenged by Pluto in the futuristic transformative funky vibe of Aquarius, poking and prodding Mars to hurry up and work on transformation, and to work for the collective. Mars is also challenged by the moon that will move from the emotional sensitive realms of Cancer into the proud and loud realm of Leo. People’s pride will be wounded, they may need to slow down, they may need to look beyond themselves and think of the collective. It’s really important to find a good creative outlet to work out these energies. Also, be extra careful around this time, more so than normally. The Sun, our essence our granter of courage and assertiveness is in the changeable land of Gemini and it will square with Saturn in Pisces, so it’s best to work on spiritual development if you are feeling low, lonely, or are struggling with self confidence.

Art: The Mother. The spirit of the earth mother resides in the woods, she carries us through the turbulent times, through the mist of unknowing, and shelters in our time of need. She is the protectress, the warrior of the heart, and for me she resonates the energy of Mars in Ta**us.

21/05/2024

Into the Deep End
Astrology Notes for May 21 2024

I have learned to step away from reactivity and that's helped me navigate tough situations. I feel that social media, the news etc., wants us to be in that intense reactive place, and they make big bucks from it. I'm not saying I shouldn't defend myself, draw down boundaries, or mess with my ethics, I am saying that it's good to pause, and really dig deep before jumping to conclusions. I really like the book The Four Agreements, by Don Miguel Ruiz. I try to live my life according to the agreements which are: "Be impeccable with your word", "Do not take anything personally", "Do not make assumptions", and "Always do your best". They seem pretty simple, but sometimes simplicity is the way to go. He goes on to say that if you follow these agreements your world view changes, and I have to agree that it does. I no longer want to educate or argue with someone on social media. I know that my words would ring hollow, especially if someone is a troll, and I have to remind myself that their behaviour is all about them, and their discomfort within themselves and has little to do with me at all, except that I may have reminded them of something that they are sensitive about within themselves. So for today, I won't assume, I'll ask questions if I need clarification, I may even walk away from a fight if I have to, only because sometimes I need to choose my battles wisely.

I did manage to do chair yoga today for the first time since my knee replacement, so that's a win! It's a rainy day so things are a little more achy than usual, but that won't stop me from going to the pool. I may have to take a nap in the afternoon though, only because I predict that I will probably hit a wall by then.

Astrology Notes: The Moon has shifted into the deep emotional realm of Scorpio, and right off the bat, it quincunxes Mars in Aries. Both signs are ruled by Mars, interestingly enough. Scorpio represents the emotional deep churning energy, whereas Aries is more of the take action and fight energy of Mars. We need to find a balance, between fight and secret, between depth and assertiveness. It's good to step back and pay attention to our feelings, before we react. Also good to find some kind of creative outlet where we can expend our energy and come to terms with what's going on inside of us. The Moon also opposes Mercury in Ta**us, so that pause is so important, it helps us come to terms with what we need to say. To understand the power of the words we speak. Magically, words have great power, so as magical people, we need to respect that, and speak with caution.

Art: Queen of Bunnies. There is a drove of bunnies hopping around my backyard when the dogs are not around. I always hope that they have the brains to get out of the way when they hear them come into the yard. This illustration has been sold, but it does encourage me to work on more drawings moving forward.

Interested in commissioning me? go here: https://artoflydiaknox.etsy.com/listing/921499581

18/05/2024

But Queen Victoria Was a Gemini
Astrology notes for May 18 2024

I’m sure you guys may have seen that painting of King Charles, it’s making its rounds on the web, some people love it, some people hate it. A strong reaction works when it comes to art or advertising. I like to call it “the world is on fire and Chucky is King.” What do I think of it? I’m wondering what hues Jonathan Yeo, the artist, used. I dug a little deeper into the artist’s portfolio and he has some incredible portraits. the expressions on the faces and the intensity of gaze is something to be admired. I like his take on Elton John too. This is inspiring me to get back to painting portraits.

It’s the long weekend here in Canada, where we celebrate good old Queen Victoria’s birthday, clearly, we still have ties to the British Empire, or what’s left of it. People gather together, have bonfires, eat food and light fireworks. Some brave souls even go camping, though I think it’s a little too cold for that. We are still in Ta**us season, so I guess we're going to say happy birthday a little early. I peeked at Queen Victoria’s chart, she has lots of planets in Aries,in the first house, Mars being one of them, showing that she came across as a fearless powerhouse. For most of her lifetime, she was the British Empire. She had a sun and Moon in Gemini, so she was born just after the New Moon. A masthead that ushered the Western world into where we are now, for better or worse.

Astrology Notes:

We start the morning with an intense grand trine (though out of sign) between the moon in balanced and aesthetically calm Libra, Jupiter and the Sun in the late degrees of Ta**us, and Pluto in Aquarius. It’s like a party of mismatched people getting along because the food is good and the conversation is interesting. We can put the weapons down, and just try to connect, and maybe even learn something in the process. Healing allows us to move past reactivity and head to a place of acceptance and understanding. Don’t get me wrong, Mars, the planet of war and Action, is in its home turf of Aries, we still want to fight the good fight. Mars squares with Vesta in Cancer, so when it comes to our home, our comfort, and our security, damn skippy we’re going to draw down boundaries. We do have a chance for a cease fire, a chance to try to create some kind of understanding and maybe, if it works, a compromise. It' takes courage to find peace and compromise. We may even have to admit we were wrong, or that we took something personally, when we could have just walked on and not owned it.

Art: My portrait of my late great Mini Schnauzer, Fargo. I also used a red background. He was a spitfire dog, loving and intense and I miss him still to this day. This painting is not for sale. You can commission me to do a pet portrait though.:
https://artoflydiaknox.etsy.com/listing/804503822

19/03/2024

I've Always Loved the Springtime
astrology notes for March 19 2024

Today is the start of the spring Equinox and we are expecting a snow storm. That’s life in Canada for you. The land of the ironic weather. This morning the dogs were ready to get up at 3:30 but I told them “it’s still bedtime” and they settled down again. I can buy time that way. In those moments before officially awakening, I like to close my eyes and drift. That’s the place where the muse meets me, in that half awake/half asleep place. This morning I drifted backwards, thinking about the time my brother, my two cousins and I took our kites to the Exhibition park in Toronto. We were about 12 years old, and back then it wasn’t unusual for a group of preteens to be out in the park on their own. It was early spring, the wind was edgy and biting. We each had kites to fly, and we set them off into the sky to join the scuttling clouds. They lifted up and tugged and sailed so far they became tiny hovering dots in the air.

My cousin Helen and I were at odds since we were toddlers. She was everything I thought I should be, blond, confident, thin and pretty. Everyone held Helen up on a pedestal (well maybe my dad didn’t, upon reflection.) She excelled at school, where I struggled, being dyslexic and having adhd in a time when most people didn’t even know that you can get past a learning disability, and that adhd showed up differently in girls. Looking back, I wish I could tell myself, that I was a lot of good things, and most of all I had a good heart, a brilliant imagination, and that despite my obstacles I was a smart kid. My heart was like a kite in the air, pushing for freedom and flight, even though I was tethered to the ground. Against the odds, I keep on pushing upwards, that’s the one thing my childhood taught me: never to stop trying to fly.

Astrology Notes: The Spring Equinox is the time of new beginnings and awakenings. It’s time to turn the page, and start a new path. The Sun enters into the sign of Aries, a fire sign. The wheel turns again, and we awaken from our winter’s hibernation. Things are going to be a little wild for the next few weeks, it’s eclipse season, and Mercury moves retrograde in Aries. So it’s kind of like a car sputtering forward, like learning to drive stick and bunny hopping. Today, though, things are still relatively quiet. The Moon starts off in Cancer, and trines with Neptune, so we slowly drift into the riptide. Ok, that doesn't sound that easy. I guess I’m trying to say, be prepared for the sudden release and rush forward, after a quiet period.

ART:

The Riptide, a small piece inspired by a picture that a friend took of lake Huron, she was on the U.S.A. side of the lake. A bluff stands against the setting sun, the riptide follows the sun’s path into the lake. This is a small textured piece of art, done in oils on streched canvas.

14/03/2024

What's your favourite pie?

04/03/2024

That brilliant flash of insight
Astrology Notes for March 4 2024 (marching forth)

It’s taken me time to follow that gut feeling. I spent years denying it’s validity, even when it hit me like a two by four. Kind of ironic because I was also attracted to reading tarot cards, learning about astrology, and I was fascinated by the idea of something existing outside the physical realm. There used to be huge psychic fairs in Toronto, ones that took place in a large convention hall, where people would gather to talk about everything unusual, from vegetarianism to U.F.O’s. (what can I say it was the 70’s and 80’s). I’d take some of my hard earned money and get a cheepie 10 dollar reading near the food stand. I think that’s where I was introduced to the OMNI magazine. (I loved that magazine for it’s art and short stories). There was this guy who had a weird bed like contraption that would send an small electrical current through your body, as it spinned you slowly around on a bed. It was supposed to solve problems like hyperactivity and autism. It was connected to crystals of course. I took a ride on it, a few times, because, why the hell not. I swear I got better at math and physics because of it, or maybe it was because we were dealing with geometry and electricity, not algebra anymore. Those were my first steps into the occult, though I always thought I was a witch even when I was four years old, it was my first Halloween costume. I know when I was really young I could pick up on all sorts of weird things, that eventually got filtered out, because it wasn’t cool to talk about ghosts and spirits. I never stopped believing in magic, it’s just an intrinsic part of me that refused to get snuffed out, and maybe that’s why I ended up being a scapegoat, because I held on to authenticity with all my heart. I did start masking to fit in, but I was well aware of what was beneath the mask, and now in my 60’s I’m just embracing myself for who I am, witchyness and all.

Astrology Notes: The Moon in bright and brash Sagittarius squares against Neptune in dreamy intuitive and sensitive Pisces early this morning and then proceeds to move void (that means it doesn’t aspect with any planets till it moves into the next sign) till 4:15pm ET. So this is a great time to be creative and spontaneously social, but not a good time to sign contracts or make commitments. That creative energy is also intensified by a s*xtile between Mercury, the planet of thoughts, communication and coordination in creative out of the box thinking Pisces, and Uranus the planet of rebellion, intuition, and higher thinking in asset oriented Ta**us, so we may get some innovative and creative business ideas, jot them down and let them percolate for a while so you can work out the details when the Moon moves into practical Capricorn later on tonight.

ART: Riding the Red Horse. This is a large statement piece and it showcases the fact that I can be commissioned to do a horse painting. I love red mares, and I used to be able to ride horses, I love the freedom and the joy that comes when interacting with an animal. This painting is of a friend’s daughter riding around barrels with this bold and beautiful mare. It really has those moon in Sagittarius vibes, and the magical energy of “to will” and “to dare.”

you can purchase this art here:

https://artoflydiaknox.etsy.com/listing/619946692

12/02/2024

Hunky Chunky Love Cat
ASTROLOGY FOR FEB 12 2024

Yesterday, we collected Crowley, from my mother’s house, he’s a big huge honking dude kitty, who’s got nothing but love on his mind. Today, I’ve started teaching him basic boundaries of the house, and it’s all going well. He’s made himself right at home, so now we have a full house, and that’s ok. Animals are my therapy, they are there when I feel blue, when there are Covid lockdowns, when my husband is sick. Animals don’t manipulate you, they are their authentic selves. So I welcome his big guy energy into my house.

I’m hoping to work on a larger painting I’ve set aside for a while, I’m looking forward to slouching around in my comfy flannel leggings, and sweat shirt, drinking lemon tea, and playing some of my favourite tunes. Tomorrow we have to go to London for the day, for a clinic appointment for my husband. He’s doing better, now that he’s on dialysis, dialysis is not a cure it’s more of a band aid solution until he can get a kidney donation. Right now, he’s at the hospital getting iron infusion through I.V. because anemia is a problem.

I was told to reach out to the community, so this is my platform to reach out, so I hope you don’t mind, I’m just doing my part, because of love:
(for Andrew Knox)
https://www.lhsc.on.ca/multi-organ-transplant-program/living-kidney-donation

Astrology Notes:

The Moon has shifted into the fiery and bold realm of Aries, we are ready to take the visions, dreams and messages from spirit and put them to work. The Moon s*xtiles with Pluto in Aquarius, so it’s ok to ruffle some feathers, to break some rules, and to be authentic as possible. Mars the planet of War, energy, s*x, and action moves into Aquarius, connecting with Pluto so we are given a boost of passion and will. Aquarius is an air sign, so this all has to do with intellect and strategy. The dark side of this energy is being a bully and bating others into a frenzy just to prove “how crazy they are”. Yes it’s ok to defend yourself, but step back and think it through before landing that first strike.

Art: I drew a picture of Crowley so you can all see what a beautiful linebacker sized dude he is.

10/02/2024

The Lunar Year of the Dragon begins.
ASTROLOGY NOTES FOR FEB 10 2024

Yesterday, I met up with a good friend and we buried witches' bottles in my back yard. The Moon is starting to wax, and since I’m going with the flow, it’s a good idea to ask for something from spirit. Witches’ bottles don’t always have to be baneful magic, they could be a wish for better times, sent to the earth and roots to be nurtured into manifestation. I also have what I call a “God box” a place where I write down all the things I can’t control and burn them, as a symbolic way to turn issues over. The weather was unseasonably warm for here in Ontario, I could see the tulips tubers peek from the ground. I’m trying to simplify my life as I get older, create less waste, reuse everything that I can. The world is definitely changing. All I can do is live in the present, to be grateful for the lessons I’ve learned in life, and to apply them in a productive way moving forward. This is the path to peace. I like waking up early in the morning to write out my thoughts to you. Luna my 13 year old Labrador is snoring underneath my desk, she’s curled up with Max, who’s just recently been neutered, and recovering. Those two are similar in temperament, so there is an odd Harold and Maud kind of emotional bond forming. My other dog, Ophelia has creeped upstairs back to bed. She is definitely not a morning dog. Today, I’m going to go to a local Farmers Market, and check out the Year of the Dragon art displayed in downtown Owen Sound. I saw some of it online, but it’s always better to check out art in person.

Astrology Notes: The Moon will head into Pisces, beginning the first crescent phase. We are asked to tune into our spiritual selves, and perhaps even do some spiritual work, since the Moon and Saturn connect today. Mercury in Aquarius squares with Jupiter in Ta**us, so it’s wise to be cautious. Not all deals are as good as they look, not all promises are kept. Avoid jumping to conclusions for the next few days, let the information just settle first before acting on it. The know-it-all individuals and thieves are going to come out of the woodwork. Lots of weird conspiracy theories will form, mostly because people will feel insecure, so they have to make up a reason for themselves to process their insecurity. It’s best to stay out of it. This aspect will last till about the 15th of Feb. Avoid signing any contracts or making any promises until then.

Art: Luna in the snow, in a private collection. I am working on commissions for pet portraits right now but have some open spots for next month.

06/02/2024

ASTROLOGY NOTES FOR FEB 6 2024

I wish I could skate over troubled water, it may have been frozen over, but I can hear the boom of the ice as it buckles and bends. I tie on my skates so tight that they pinch and set sail through the hard cold wind down, down the river of my feelings.

Today my goal is to get some poetry submitted, and to start on a pet portrait. I can do this, I have found some momentum in the new normal. It helps to write to you, the feedback I’ve gotten is wonderful, it reminds me that we are not alone, that if we reach out there is so much support out there.

Creating art, writing, brings me great joy. I tune into the flow of the beauty of the world, and it takes me to a place of healing. May you find joy today. I find that unless I’m happy within myself in the now, grateful for all the gifts spirit has granted, I will never be happy. I must accept myself and be kind to myself, create that happy groundwork, and then I can be there for those who I love.

ASTOLOGY NOTES: If you’ve had a sleepless night, it could be because the moon squared against Neptune, God of dreams and magic in the early morning hours. It’s time to put the petal to the metal and chase a dream. The moon shifts over into practical minded Capricorn, offering us common sense and determination to get things done. The Moon s*xtiles with Saturn in Pisces, so a spiritual connection helps us overcome a challenge, later tonight the Moon trines with Jupiter, giving us a boost of good fortune, so take that chance and do something daring, ask for more. Submit art, call someone, do something to take you out of the small into to the big.

ART: The happy Raven, sold and in a private collection.

04/02/2024

Getting out of Freeze Mode
ASTROLOGY NOTES FOR FEB 04 2024

Sometimes I get stuck in freeze mode, where I feel tired all the time, and I can’t summon the energy to do anything. I don’t want to see anyone, I just want to hide from the world and bury myself under some blankets. When this happens, depression follows me like a shadow, and everything just aches. This is called emotional dysregulation* and according to Psychology Today you can re-regulate yourself by starting to focus on the small stuff of self care. Pay attention to what your body wants. Thirsty? Drink some water. Also other solutions, like going out into nature, exercise, meditation, deep breathing, and working on mindfulness help a great deal. Deregulation is a trauma response, it comes from being overwhelmed, from suffering with CPTSD, or acting like a caretaker in a codependent situation.

Before anyone jumps to conclusions, I don’t have that kind of relationship with my husband. He is husband number 3 in my life, we’ve been together for 20 years, and he’s the best thing that’s happened in my life. I do however, have a history of picking people in the past who waved those red flags as if they were flag semaphore communicators. I also had a pretty traumatic childhood. However, I’m working on healing, I want to make a t-shirt that says “I’m not your co-dependent buddy” I’ve learned to say “no” to draw down healthy boundaries for myself. Awareness is the first big step towards recovery, getting help would be step number two. I’m starting to face the world with courage, compassion and honesty, and that has changed my life in a big way.

ASTROLOGY NOTES:

The Moon enters into Sagittarius early this morning, and s*xtiles with Pluto in Aquarius. We are invited to find a bold philosophy that will help us get out of a rut. Honesty and integrity helps us fight the good fight. We can banish the shadows with light. Face up to fear. The moon squares with Saturn in Pisces, so this isn’t the time to just give up and give in. We need to face problems with emotional maturity, we need to look inside before we point the finger in someone else’s direction. Speaking the blunt truth, works better than trying to sugar coat things, or hide the problem under a rug.

RT: This is a small portrait of my dog Ophelia, it’s not for sale, but I can be commissioned for pet portraits, and right now I’m running a fundraiser for R&R rescue and resort, if you donate more than 75 dollars, you could get an 8x10 oil painting of your pet. It will take me about a month to paint it and for it to be ready for shipping. I’m fundraising on my page:

https://www.facebook.com/lydiamarieknox

*More on that here: https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/click-here-happiness/202108/what-is-emotional-dysregulation

14/09/2023

These awesome puppies are ready for a permanent home

23/01/2022

If you're cold, they're cold. Let them in!

04/01/2022

New portrait commission completed..I don't shy away from painting people with their beloved fur friends.

Dm me if you're interested in a commission

03/01/2022

I'm down who else is up for it,
R&R Rescue & Resort

Shared from a couple of other rescues. 💝

24/09/2021

TEMPERANCE This card is all about alchemy, about fire and water, about earth and air. One foot stands upon the ground the other stands in the water, the angel balances all the above. A path leads to the mountains, this isnt an easy road. This is the card of the Sagittarius., All my prints are

20/09/2021

New in my shop: Prints! Signed!

This sweet little print is of a girl wearing a witchy hat because it is 6x9 its perfect for a home with little wall space. It is a quality print on cardstock with a soft surface. It comes signed and with a certificate of authenticity too, and it is numbered with an inventory number and I add it to

10/05/2021

27/04/2021

Prancer the Chihuahua became an internet sensation earlier this month when his foster carer, Tyfanee Fortuna, posted a brutally-honest adoption ad for him.

08/02/2021

recent commission finished

26/12/2020

Luna loves to play with her orange ball, she doesn't want anyone to throw it, but she likes to think that you could throw it, occasionally I get it out of her mouth and throw it and then she leaps through the snow like a fox chasing a mouse. She digs in the spot where it lands and finds it, and the game continues on. I adopted Luna from Team Dog Rescue in Toronto, and I've painted some paintings for their fundraisers. Luna has been with us since June 2013- so she's approximately 8 years old (she was a year and a half when I got her). She is slowing down a bit, but she is truly still a puppy at heart.

17/11/2020

Two of my dog paintings, and tarot card readings are up for sale
all for a great cause! :)