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!
3764 – Imagine Acrylic on Canvas 20 x 16 inches, Unframed SOLD This painting was inspired by the poem The Season of Phantasmal Peace by Derek Walcott. I imagined the birds of the earth desperately trying to save the world from extinction. I simplified the concept with one bird and the focus of world peace and cooperation in protecting our resources. The title came to me one day when listening to John Lennon’s, Imagine. Share and Enjoy...
read more3761 – Soaring Oil on Canvas 20 x 16 inches, Unframed SOLD A couple of years ago during the heat of summer, we set out on a Georgian Bay cruise. On board the Island Queen, the intense turquoise colour of the water mesmerized me. It was so reminiscent of the Caribbean. And then along the shoreline of the islands, it looked like gold lying beneath the crystal, clear water. Share and Enjoy...
read more3760 – Life in the Balance Oil on Canvas 7 x 5 inches, Unframed SOLD The Polar Bear symbolizes and represents the problem of global warming. The melting of the arctic ice cap has resulted in loss of habitat and lack of access to food sources for arctic wildlife. Share and Enjoy...
read more3759 – Earth’s Breath Acrylic on Canvas 10 x 8 inches, Unframed SOLD A small painting commissioned by a client who fell in love with, Breath of Life, when she it in my book, This Little Rock We Call Earth. Share and Enjoy...
read more3763 – Genesis Acrylic on Canvas 24 x 30 inches, Unframed SOLD To name this painting, I posted on social media and asked for suggestions. The one that touched me and rang true was Genesis. Why Genesis? The word itself comes from the Greek, “gignesthai” meaning “to be born”. The idea of birth or rebirth for this painting fits as it reflects the return to healthy populations of a once endangered species (Humpback Whales) and further my optimistic hope for the restoration of our oceans. In a more practical way,...
read more3762 – Undercover Oil on Canvas 10 x 8 inches, Unframed SOLD Inspired by a photo taken many years ago, this whimsical painting brought a smile to my face. Once the toadstools were complete, something felt like it was missing. The idea of adding the mouse came to me and completed the visual story. Share and Enjoy...
read more3684 – Black-Eyed Susans #1 – DONATED 3687 – Day Lily #1 – DONATED Acrylic on Canvas Each painting 6 x 6 inches, unframed. Share and Enjoy...
read more3754 – From Above Acrylic Skins on Canvas 24 x 24 inches, Unframed SOLD COLLABORATION – Wendie Donabie, Janice Feist, Pat Whittle, Lynda Lynn This painting created with Acrylic skins was completed by four artists, each adding approximately one quarter of the artwork. I began with 4 hot air balloons on the canvas. The next artist promptly removed them, cut them into pieces and reapplied the bits to the canvas. After the canvas made the rounds of the four artists it came back to me for the final touches. Although my initial idea had...
read more3754 – Fire Rooster Acrylic skins & Mixed media on Canvas 14 x 11 inches, Framed 2017 is the year of the FIRE ROOSTER in Chinese Astrology. Those born under the sign of the Rooster will often find success when they allow themselves to be led by their instincts. Share and Enjoy...
read more3753 – Heart Strings Acrylic skins & Mixed media on Canvas 14 x 11 inches, Framed What pulls at your heartstrings? Our hearts are our most sensitive organ, responding to every emotion we feel. While creating acrylic skins for an art show, a heart-shaped skin from my paint palette provided the initial inspiration for this painting. I added more heart-shaped pieces to represent the people and things we love, and a fine raffia for the strings that intersect and connect them all. Heart...
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