“One memory which is relevant is of walking away from Kensington Gardens one spring day when I was about ten years old. The sun had come out after a brief shower and at intervals along the pavement stood young trees newly covered with leaves. All of a sudden I became intensely aware of the greenness of these leaves and of their density and lightness, of the compact symmetry of the small trees, of the sunlight falling upon them so as to emphasize their solidity and buoyancy and of the smoothness and dampness of the pavement. All this filled me with an acute sense of happiness and was, I think, the first awakening of my desire to paint.”
Goodridge Roberts, Queen’s Quarterly, Autumn 1953
Goodridge Roberts (September 24, 1904-January 28, 1974) was a Canadian painter born in Barbados. He hailed from a distinguished literary family, with his father being novelist Theodore Goodridge Roberts, his uncle poet Charles G.D Roberts, and his cousin poet Bliss Carman. This familial background instilled in him a sensitivity to the world around him and made painting a natural career choice.
Goodridge Roberts; Country Road, Laurentians
Roberts commenced his artistic education at the École des beaux-arts in Montreal, showcasing exceptional talent early in his career. His studies extended to the Art Students League in New York City, under the mentorship of prominent artists such as John Sloan and Boardman Robinson. These formative years laid the groundwork for Roberts' multifaceted artistic repertoire, excelling equally in landscapes, still lifes, and portraits.
Goodridge Roberts; Massawippi
In 1930, Roberts settled in Ottawa, emerging as a prominent figure in the Canadian art scene. There, he organized art classes, exhibited his work, and inaugurated a summer art school in Wakefield, Quebec, drawing inspiration from Eastern Canada's picturesque landscapes. His artistic pursuits traversed the globe, from the Laurentians and Georgian Bay to France and England, where he served as an official war artist during World War II.
Goodridge Roberts; Pine Trees in Summer
Despite his artistic achievements, Roberts grappled with personal challenges, including battles with severe depression, impacting his health and memory. Close to 100 electroshock treatments left him feeling violated and severely damaged his memory and capacity to live. These struggles curtailed his artistic output in the latter years of his life.
Goodridge Roberts; The Old Stove
Roberts' legacy endures as a testament to his creative vision. His work is celebrated in galleries and institutions worldwide, including the National Gallery of Canada, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, and the McMichael Canadian Art Collection. A recipient of the Order of Canada and a member of esteemed artistic societies such as the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts, Roberts' contributions to Canadian art history remain profound. His ability to capture the essence of Canadian landscapes and evoke emotional depth through his paintings cements his place as one of Canada's most revered artists.