'Cedars and Black Cherry Tree,' a 1965 oil on masonite by Goodridge Roberts, spans 16 x 20 inches, with the artist's signature located at the bottom right. The piece is...
"Cedars and Black Cherry Tree," a 1965 oil on masonite by Goodridge Roberts, spans 16 x 20 inches, with the artist's signature located at the bottom right. The piece is a richly textured representation of a rural landscape, brimming with the stoic beauty of eastern Canadian flora.
Roberts captures a dense copse of cedar trees, their dark, evergreen foliage stark against a tumultuous sky. The black cherry tree, possibly in the painting's foreground, presents a contrasting form with its broader leaves and more open structure. Together, they create a symphony of greens and dark tones, set against the golden hues of the meadow or underbrush.
The sky above churns with a dynamic array of grey brushstrokes, suggesting an impending storm or the remnants of one passing. This atmospheric tension is balanced by the earthy stability of the trees and the gentle swells of the landscape.
Roberts employs a vigorous brushwork that imparts vitality and movement to the scene. The use of light and shadow, especially in the highlights on the grasses and leaves, demonstrates his keen observation of the natural world and his ability to translate it into a visceral painted surface.
The painting resonates with the quiet power of nature and invites contemplation on the resilience of these trees standing firm against the elements. Through Roberts' lens, the scene becomes a timeless testament to the enduring beauty of the Canadian wilderness.