During a visit to Algonquin Park, I discovered a small collection of bright yellow mushrooms growing amongst the rocks outside the Canoe Lake General Store. I took a picture right away knowing this would one day be inspiration for a painting. ‘Shrooms on the Rocks is the result. I love the contrast between the bright fungi and the various greys of the rocks.
For over 40 years I’ve been photographing fungi but it’s only in the last couple of years they’ve found their way into my work. It’s the variety of fungi shapes, colours, and settings, that attract me. And now learning about their importance to life on the planet, they’ll be showing up more in my paintings.
Trees and fungi both fire my imagination. Without them we would not survive on the earth. The trees provide the oxygen we need and the fungi along with bacteria break down organic matter and release carbon, oxygen, nitrogen and phosphorus into the soil and the atmosphere.
About the artist:
Wendie is a storyteller who paints and writes. “When words won’t do the trick, I turn to my paint and brushes,” she says. “It’s usually my concern about the destruction of natural habitats and loss of wildlife species that informs my paintings. I focus on the beauty, mystery, and interdependence of life on our planet to remind us of what we’re losing every day. “
“Most of my work tends towards realism using a variety of mediums – acrylic, oil, watercolour, Chinese and acrylic inks as well as mixed media. Each one offers its own special qualities allowing me the freedom to select what best interprets a subject. Oil is my favourite, however these days I turn to acrylic most often with its quick drying quality.”
Four years ago, Wendie opened Heron’s Nest Studio Gallery, an intimate 2-room gallery in her Bracebridge home, where she carries nature-inspired work by six artists. “You’ll find stained glass, paintings, furniture, decorative ironwork, hand sculpted clay work and more.”
Contact Wendie at info@wendiedonabie.com or visit her website at www.WendieDonabie.com
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Sheridan Rondeau says
This is an exquisite piece, totally relatable. I know from experien ce that anyone who visits your gallery will be stunned with the beauty of its contents and will recommend you.