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!
2013-37 Field of Poppies #1 SOLD 5 x 7 inches, unframed Acrylic on Canvas In preparation for a large poppy painting, I created a number of smaller ones. I responded emotionally to each one recognizing the symbolic power the poppy has acquired. Here I painted a field of poppies blowing in the wind of freedom. Let us never forget. Share and Enjoy...
read more3632 – Field of Remembrance Acrylic on Canvas 12 x 24 inches, Framed SOLD In preparation for a large poppy painting, I created a number of smaller ones. I responded emotionally to each one recognizing the symbolic power the poppy has acquired. We associate poppies with Remembrance Day -a time we honour those who serve in the military in our country. I wanted to create a painting that evoked remembrance of their sacrifice but one that would also communicate hope for the future. Let us never forget. Share and Enjoy...
read more2013-39 Remember Donated to Art Sale fund raiser for Muskoka Children’s Foundation 6 x 6 inches, unframed Acrylic on Canvas In preparation for a large poppy painting, I created a number of smaller ones. This is one of two painted for a charity fundraiser. Share and Enjoy...
read more2013-32 Trillium Trio SOLD 7 x 5 inches, unframed Acrylic on Canvas While photographing the trilliums along Wilson Falls Trail in Bracebridge, I discovered this group of three waiting for me to snap a photo and turn into this permanent painted image. Here is the photo of the actual flowers. Share and Enjoy...
read more2013-30 Severn River Summer Reflection #1 SOLD 11 x 14 inches, unframed Acrylic on Canvas One day while visiting a home on the Severn River, I captured some wonderful reflections in the river, This is the first one to be translated into a painting I hope conveys the peace and beauty of the location. Click here to see the photo of the actual location. Share and Enjoy...
read more2013-29 Muskoka Rocks & Pine Needles #2 Donated to Rotary Club of Gravenhurst for annual auction Acrylic on Canvas 14 x 11 inches, unframed 2013 I loved the strength of this enormous rock softened by shadows and pine needles. The tall trees frame the blue Muskoka sky beyond creating an emblematic picture of Muskoka. Here is the photo inspiration. Share and Enjoy...
read more2013-28 Muskoka Rocks & Pine Needles #1 SOLD Acrylic on Canvas 14 x 11 inches, unframed 2013 Muskoka known for dramatic rock formations and tall pines. Here I wanted to capture the soft, leaf-covered ground, contrasted with the giant, pine-needle patterned rock and towering trees. Click here to see the photo inspiration. Share and Enjoy...
read more2013-27 Trillium Twosome SOLD Acrylic on Canvas 5 x 7 inches, Framed 2013 Spring on Wilson Falls Trail in Bracebridge provides plenty of photo opportunities. In among the abundant white trilliums, there are often single red ones. I found this duo posing for the camera. This is the second in a series of trillium paintings. Share and Enjoy...
read more2013-27 Fun with Fiddleheads Acrylic on Canvas Donated to the YWCA MUSKOKA, as a live auction item at the 2014 Women of Distinction Awards evening, held on October 29, 2014 in Bracebridge, Ontario. 14 x 11 inches, unframed 2013 I love the way fiddleheads spring up from the stumps of old trees and have painted this scene several times. There is strange, almost mystical quality about them Share and Enjoy...
read more3616 – Beaver Creek on Covered Bridge Trail DONATED to The Catholic Children’s Aid Society of Hamilton for Silent Auction Fund Raising at Serendipity event – November 2014 Watercolour on Paper 10 x 8 inches, Framed I liked this scene so much I decided to create a watercolour version with a few changes to the composition. Share and Enjoy...
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