My first collection of miniature paintings of Italian door knockers painted last year was so much fun to paint but also quite challenging (story here). When I’ve loved creating a piece, I’ve often experienced having a bit of time with the finished work in my home. However, once it was done, the first collection sold almost immediately and I had no “bonding time” with it.

The obvious solution was to paint another one!

So this past spring, I painted 9 new 2.5″-square miniature paintings and matted them once again into one collection in an 18″ x 18″ mat. I reached into my photo file of door knockers and selected this interesting group. In real life, this group of knockers can be found in Florence, Rome, two towns in Umbria, and two towns in Tuscany. And I love that there are animals, grotesques, a goddess and what seems to be one regular Joe! The backgrounds also vary from different wood grains to painted plaster.

Exploring these individual characteristics is what makes painting a project like this so much fun! I daydream about who made the knocker (always assuming it was an artisan, wrongly or rightly) and who chose this knocker for the door and to make what kind of statement.

Unlike last year’s collection, this new one didn’t find its forever-home at my summer shows so it’s hanging next to me in the studio. I know I likely won’t have it for very long, but I am enjoying its whimsy and energy very much!

At the writing of this post, this collection is still available to purchase. If you are interested, complete the Contact Form below for more information.