JL Laura: The artwork is beautiful, the setting is calming but the best part is Wendie! She makes feel special the moment she says hello and welcomes you into her studio. She offers a tour where she shares her love of art or lets you walk around at your leisure. This is a must do on the Bracebridge list!
David Bruce Patterson: A visit to the Heron’s Nest makes you feel like your soul is resting in a soft bed of silver maple twigs and Muskoka grasses. You take a curious look at winsome art that takes you from the sprawling roots of red pines, the majesty and breaching of the surfacing Cetacean, and the vivid hues and Egyptian blues of the horsefly. This wonderful experience combined with the warm and festive hospitality of Wendie, Hugh and Gustav the Great {the resident groundhog} makes this a must visit for art-lovers and those wanting to spend a few hours in a place a calm and beauty.
Carolyn Freedman: Would recommend a stop at Heron’s Nest Art Gallery in Bracebridge, Ontario. Beautiful nature paintings by Wendie Donabie plus exquisite stain glass art by the talented Maureen Haines, and creative wood crafted tables by Conel O’Regan. The gallery is a lovely, no pressure experience to be enjoyed by all.
Janice Feist: Heron’s Nest Studio Gallery is in a most inviting setting! Love coming in through the glassed-in porch to your intimate gallery. The relaxed atmosphere makes you feel like there is no pressure, just time to absorb the beauty of the artwork, and imagine it in my home. You’re a great host, Wendie!
Muskoka Rondeau: One of the many things I love about Wendie Donabie and her Heron’s Nest Studio is that it’s uniquely intimate in size but not cluttered or distracting. That she includes art and artworks by other artists confirms her collaborative intention instead of being single minded. There are cards and unique pieces to be purchased – don’t miss her wonderful book.
Joe Ingham: You couldn’t get more Muskoka than this! Heron’s Nest studio is a lovely gallery with a down-to-Earth disposition and surprises around every corner
Pam MacKenzie: If you are looking for a unique gift to give or a gift for yourself, then Heron’s Nest is the place to go. Here you can find lovely paintings, stained glass, woodwork and wonderful cards. Be sure to stop in and visit with Wendie. You will be happy that you did.
Liz Saunders: Such a lovely gallery with Wendie Donabie’s art and in the spirit of cooperation which is so prevalent in Muskoka, the works of other local artists. Not only is the gallery worth a visit but so are the gardens. I personally own 3 of Wendie’s paintings, 2 of another local artist, Janice Feist and 1 of yet another local artist, Pat Fairhead. Muskoka artists are a must see and so is this gallery.
Cheryl Scott Livie: We have been to The Heron’s Nest in Bracebridge and it’s a lovely place to visit while you are in Bracebridge. The studio is bright, cheery and full of wonderful artistic talent. If it’s a local painting you are in the market for, this is the place to visit. There is a variety of lovely paintings of Canadian scenes and natural nature plus beautiful artistic sculptures. The outside of the studio is very serene and relaxing. The local chipmunks love your visits and the wildlife may very well be there to say hello in person as well. I recommending going for a visit and saying hi to Wendie, the hostess who is also very warm & welcoming. Take your time and look around, you won’t be sorry.
Margo Gracey: We love visiting the Heron’s Nest Studio in Bracebridge. A wonderful eclectic environment to be enjoyed, the lovely setting, the wildlife and of course the amazing artwork of Wendie and all the artists the Gallery represents. Wendie is a welcoming host and makes you feel right at home as you enjoy the artwork and the beautiful surroundings. A must see!
Sue Kelly: Truly enjoyed this quaint gallery, nestled in a vintage home in Bracebridge. Wendie is so friendly and welcomed me to browse at my leisure – a real sweet spot in town!
3798 – Whispers of Spring Acrylic on Canvas, 8 x 10 inches Unframed I love the character of barns, how they weather and change as they age. This barn was captured in a photo somewhere near Hastings, Ontario. It still stands with pride, even though its roof has rusted and the winter winds have torn through its greyed and battered boards. I feel the energy of anticipation in the painting, as the barn awaits the coming spring and the return of life to the barnyard. Whispers of Summer reflects the budding spring trees whispering to each...
read moreCelestial SymphonyAcrylic on gallery canvas12 x 12 inches, unframed During summer in Muskoka we enjoy many nights watching Aurora Borealis dance across our northern skies. There is a lyrical quality to the colourful light displays as if they are moving to music only they can hear. Share and Enjoy...
read moreCumulus ConflabAcrylic on gallery canvas12 x 12 inches, unframed Clouds fascinate me – they posses a magical quality. I have taken more photos of them than any other subject. The variety of shapes, colours, sizes offers endless inspiration for my paint brush. Share and Enjoy...
read moreFiery SymphonyAcrylic on Gallery Canvas12 x 12 inches Attempting to match Mother’s Nature skilful application of autumn colours is a challenge for a painter. It’s one I embrace in hopes of retaining some of her vibrant palette through the black and white of winter. Share and Enjoy...
read moreSentinel of LightAcrylic on gallery canvas12 x 12 inches, unframedSOLD Commission as a gift to a Hospice where a friend passed awayThe rooster was a resident of the home. The Black-eyed Susans were her friend’s favourite flower. Share and Enjoy...
read moreEnchanted Harmony – Turkey Tail’s Grace Acrylic on Canvas 11 x 14 inches, Unframed Turkey Tail’s Grace reveals the delicate yet powerful presence of Turkey Tail mushrooms, their layers spreading like a symphony in the Forest. The Turkey Tail Mushroom found on decaying logs in forests, mimics the elegance of a turkey’s plumage. For centuries it has had a place in Eastern medicine and today medical science is recognizing it’s ability to support the immune system and battle a range of illnesses. Share and Enjoy...
read moreWoodland Blossoms Acrylic on Canvas 11 x 14 inches, Unframed This is Brown Rot Fungus…not a very pretty name but certainly a lovely image in the forest. Trees and fungi have both captured my imagination. Without them we would not survive on the earth. While trees provide the oxygen we need, fungi along with bacteria break down organic matter and release carbon, oxygen, nitrogen and phosphorus into the soil and the atmosphere. It’s the importance of fungi and the variety of shapes, colours and their habitat that attract me to them....
read morePoppies for Alicia Acrylic on Canvas 10 x 8 inches, framed NOT FOR SALES Painted for my stepdaughter, on the occasion of her 60th birthday. The family arranged an early surprise party in August, while Alicia’s actual birthdate is in November. That is a busy harvesting time on the farm so the earlier date meant for a perfect surprise. Share and Enjoy...
read moreAutumn Blaze Acrylic on Canvas Diptych,12 x 24 inches, Framed. My first diptych of maple leaves in autumn. My hope was to capture the brilliance of those ruby and salmon reds that are so striking every fall standing out against the greying skies of autumn and defoliating trees. Share and Enjoy...
read moreAutumn Splendour #1 & #2 Each painting is acrylic on canvas Each painting – 8 x 10 inches, framed SOLD I aimed to capture the dramatic colours of autumn in these two smaller paintings. Share and Enjoy...
read moreSeaside Reverie Acrylic on Gallery wrapped canvas 10 x 8 inches, unframed A quiet place on a deserted beach with waves gently kissing the shore, and seabirds calling overhead, is my perfect spot to ruminate or meditate, allowing thoughts to come and go; a time to simply breath and be in the moment. Share and Enjoy...
read more