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!
Autumn 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 more3808 – Three Toxic Redheads – Amanita muscaria Soft pastel on pastel paper 8.5 x 11 inches, framed SOLD One of the most colourful of the fungi family, these mushrooms are beautiful but can be deadly bearing a powerful toxin. It grows in woodland and heathland on light soils among birch, pine, or spruce. It is a fungus that often forms mycorrhizal associations with birch, but also other trees. Fly Agaric mushrooms, also known as Amanita muscaria are the classic red toadstool with white warts seen in cartoons. The species grows...
read moreMuskoka Sunset painted in acrylic on full size wood canoe paddle, 6 x 52 inches An iconic Muskoka Sunset reflected in a regional lake. Replicating Mother Nature’s artwork is impossible, however, as an artist I can attempt to paint the feeling and majesty she creates. Share and Enjoy...
read moreWhat Once Was Home Acrylic on Canvas 16 x 20 inches, Framed I’m attracted to old, weathered, and deserted buildings. There’s something mysterious about their empty shells and I speculate about the life that once filled them. The subject for this painting came from a trip to the east coast where I discovered this house falling apart but still exuding life with nature taking up occupancy. If you look carefully you’ll see the ghostly images of specters who may have stayed on in a home they loved. One single rose on a dying vine...
read more3804 – Snickers Acrylic on Canvas 10 x 8 inches Unframed – SOLD Commissioned as a birthday gift for her partner. Snickers is the well loved family pet. Share and Enjoy...
read more3805 – The Sap is Running Acrylic on Canvas 12 x 12 inches, Framed SOLD Each spring I see containers hung on mature maple trees here in town and I’m reminded of my childhood in rural Ontario. There maple trees lined the country roads, each adorned with a metal bucket to collect sap. After hours of boiling, sap thickens to a sweet golden syrup, with a flavour unlike any other; it’s Mother Nature’s ambrosia. Share and Enjoy...
read more3803 – Bridget Acrylic on Gallery Canvas 8 x 8 inches Unframed Commission Commissioned as a Christmas gift for her husband. Bridget is the dearly loved family pet. Share and Enjoy...
read more3801 – Along Spruce Bog Trail, Algonquin Park Acrylic & Acrylic Skins on Gallery Wrapped Canvas, 18 x 24 inches Unframed The trails in Algonquin Park offer countless scenes of beauty for an artist. While hiking the Spruce Bog Trail in early fall, this rock outcropping covered with pine needles captured my imagination and became the subject for this painting. Share and Enjoy...
read more3800 – Garden of Floral Delights Acrylic on Canvas 12 x 12 inches, framed Inspired by a friend’s abundant garden here in Muskoka SOLD Share and Enjoy...
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