Choose Wonder
Southern Art for a Life Worth Noticing
Sophie Dare has spent more than three decades as an artist, and the better part of a lifetime noticing what others rush past. She has worn many roles along the way, wife, special needs mother, business professional, always finding small pockets of time to create even in the busiest seasons. Caring for her family taught her to notice beauty in brief, quiet moments, and that instinct for noticing became the foundation of her work. There was always a quiet pull toward creating, toward slowing down long enough to truly see what was in front of her.
Today she paints in palette knife oils from her studio on Florida's First Coast, capturing the landscapes, wildlife, backroads, gardens, and coastlines of the South. Her work draws on a deep well of nostalgia, and the family roots that carried her through Georgia, North Carolina, and now Florida.
For Sophie, being an artist is about preserving the feeling of a moment before it slips away, and creating work that feels personal and familiar. Our homes should tell stories and our art has the power to bring peace, comfort, and connection in a world that moves too fast.
Sophie's paintings hang in private collections and have been shown through Anchored Studio Gallery on St. George Street in St. Augustine. In every large original, she quietly hides a small butterfly, a personal symbol of hope, and presence that has become the signature of her work.
As featured in Florida Times-Union, Clay Today, and First Coast Life
Wings & Wonder Print Club
A LITTLE WONDER IN YOUR MAILBOX
Wings & Wonder is a monthly invitation to slow down and reflect
Each month, I'll send you a beautiful piece of art, a personal letter, and a few thoughtful surprises inspired by the season.
A small ritual of beauty, reflection, and wonder.
$12/month. Sign up by the 25th to Gift or receive the next month's snail mail post.
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Testimonials: What happens When You Choose Wonder
- Sending pictures of all the angles...so you can see how great it looks with the color palette! I finally got this beauty on the wall today!! Thank you! I just love it! Your artwork is fabulous! - Jackie MD
- I’m in love with this painting! The Farmhouse project holds a special place in my Hubs heart so I asked Sophie to capture this beautiful property. He was totally surprised & blown away with his gift! She is incredibly talented. Check out her work on her IG - Tyree TX
- LOVE THIS! And love my paintings- I look at them almost daily and they bring me joy and warm my heart. I was just looking at some of your oak tree and marsh paintings yesterday… I’m thinking about where I’d put them for sizes. You’re awesome! Thank you! - Katy FL
- I recently purchased "Incoming Storm," which is your painting of a storm at Cresent Beach. Ed, my late husband, and I went to there often. It was one our favorite places to go. I have many happy memories of times at Cresent Beach. I love the painting. I love the texture in the painting and the dark dramatic clouds of the approaching storm. It is a beautiful piece. - Sharon FL
- Every single series speaks to my heart in different ways and I still cannot choose a favorite! Your talent is such a gift! I love your heartfelt art. - Kelley FL
The Butterfly
Look closely. There's a butterfly hidden in many of my paintings.
Some of the most beautiful things in life require us to slow down enough to notice them. The butterfly has become my symbol of hope, transformation, and the quiet strength it takes to keep going.
WE BELIEVE LIFE IS WORTH NOTICING.
We believe beauty isn't frivolous.
We believe creativity isn't just for artists.
We believe nature has something to teach us.
We believe our homes should hold stories.
We believe getting older can make life deeper, not smaller.
We believe grief changes us, but it doesn't get the final word.
And we believe there is still wonder everywhere.
If you believe that too, you're in the right place.
