About Dora Knuteson

Originally from Wisconsin, Dora Knuteson earned her Bachelor of Art degree from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside and spent the first decade of her career as a graphic designer. After relocating to southwest Florida in 2015, she began creating artwork inspired by the sunshine and beautiful beaches of her new home. Today, her painting style is heavily influenced by her background in graphic design and illustration as well as her passion for color and an early fondness of primitive styles of art. Dora’s work is featured in private collections across the U.S. and internationally, and has been featured in regional publications including Naples Daily News, Spotlight News Magazine, Naples Illustrated Charity Register and VoyageMIA. In 2020 she was recognized by Gulfshore Business Magazine as one of 40 Under 40 Young Professionals to watch.

A lifelong love of animals inspired Dora’s dedication to environmental conservation.

She proudly supports protection of local wildlife by donating proceeds from artwork collections to organizations such as Captains for Clean Water and Friends of Rookery Bay. She has also licensed her artwork to companies with similar missions, including Manatee Coffee and Leeward Look.

Artist Statement

I believe that art has a way of reminding us who we really are, and I have found that when I am making art is when I feel the most present and connected with the world. For me, that feeling is a direct link back to my childhood self — a time of genuine curiosity, playfulness and wonder.

My work reflects things that make me smile: color, complexity, and quirky personality. I like to build loose, textured layers with unexpected details that invite the viewer to take a closer look. My hope is that by doing so they will experience the same sense of curiosity and delight that I do as I’m creating the work.

Ultimately, my art is a way for me to connect with my truest, most authentic self, and to share my love for the world that surrounds me.

Solo and 2-Person Exhibitions

2023
Beyond the Sea: Dora Knuteson + Chuck Boux, Chihuly Collection Presented by Morean Arts Center, FL

2020
Dora Knuteson in the Norris Center, United Arts Council of Collier County, FL
Save the Sea Turtles,
Rookery Bay Research Reserve, FL

Group Exhibitions

2020
Botanical, Las Laguna Gallery, CA
Quo Vadis, Van Der Plas Gallery, NY
Third on Canvas, Naples Art Association, FL

2019
Third on Canvas, Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club, FL
Tiny Art, Naples Art Association, FL
Your Choice, Naples Art Association, FL

2018
Southwest Florida Painting Annual, Rookery Bay, FL
Reunion, UW-Parkside Gallery, WI
Tiny Art, Naples Art Association, FL

2017
Your Choice, Naples Art Association, FL

Press & Publications

Gulfshore Business 40 Under 40 Award

Gulfshore Business Recognizes 40 of Southwest Florida's Young Leaders with 2020 40 Under 40 Awards

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Naples Daily News Logo

East Naples artist continues activism with new series of paintings

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Naples Daily News Logo

Naples Illustrated 2019-20 Charity Register: When the Earth Means the World

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NBC 2 Logo

Local artist finds purpose in conservation

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Coastal Breeze News Logo

Joy & Whimsy Intertwine at Rookery Bay's Under the Sea Mural

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VoyageMIA

Meet Dora Knuteson

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Spotlight News Magazine September 2019 Cover

Artist becomes a creative force for good

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NBC 2 Logo

Naples painter unexpectedly raises thousands through art for clean water fund

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Naples Daily News Logo

Naples artist paints fish in her own version of activism

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