Works
  • "The Maple Bush" by Tom Roberts provides a delightful and serene depiction of a winter landscape. The painting captures the essence of a cold day, where nature's stillness is punctuated by the presence of a few individuals near a rustic cabin.⁠
    The Maple Bush, c 1970CAD 2,400.00
    Tom Roberts, The Maple Bush, c 1970
    CAD 2,400.00
  • Tom Roberts, Eden Mills, c 1970
    Eden Mills, c 1970
  • "Village in Autumn," a 1944 watercolor by Tom Roberts, depicts a quaint village scene during the fall season.
    Village in Autumn, 1944CAD 2,000.00
    Tom Roberts, Village in Autumn, 1944
    CAD 2,000.00
  • Tom Roberts, Winter Morning, Odessa, 1989
    Winter Morning, Odessa, 1989CAD 7,500.00
    Tom Roberts, Winter Morning, Odessa, 1989
    CAD 7,500.00
  • "Winter Fun" by Tom Roberts is a vivid representation of a winter scene, capturing the essence of a chilly day filled with excitement and playfulness.⁠
    Winter Fun, c 1960CAD 2,400.00
    Tom Roberts, Winter Fun, c 1960
    CAD 2,400.00
  • The painting presents a rustic mill, its architecture characteristic of the structures found in rural Canada during the mid-20th century. The building is coated with snow, reflecting the quietude of winter. The white of the snow is tinged with shades of blue, suggesting the reflection of the overcast winter sky, and the use of shadow indicates the depth and texture of the snowdrifts.
    Mill in Winter (Bolton Mill), c 1960CAD 1,950.00
    Tom Roberts, Mill in Winter (Bolton Mill), c 1960
    CAD 1,950.00
  • Tom Roberts, The Pool in Late Winter, c 1960
    The Pool in Late Winter, c 1960CAD 1,750.00
    Tom Roberts, The Pool in Late Winter, c 1960
    CAD 1,750.00
  • "Sunny March Day, German Mills School, circa 1970" by Tom Roberts is a painting that captures the essence of early spring in a rural school setting. The schoolhouse, painted in a pale yellow, stands in a snowy landscape, with the snow beginning to melt in the warmth of the sun, as indicated by the patches of ground showing through.
    Sunny March Day, German Mills School, c 1970CAD 2,800.00
    Tom Roberts, Sunny March Day, German Mills School, c 1970
    CAD 2,800.00
  • "Whitefish Falls," circa 1970, by Tom Roberts is a painting that captures the dynamic beauty of a waterfall and its surrounding environment. Roberts' skillful use of impasto technique is evident, with thick, textured strokes of paint that give the composition a vibrant and lively quality.
    Whitefish Falls, c 1970CAD 2,250.00
    Tom Roberts, Whitefish Falls, c 1970
    CAD 2,250.00
  • Tom Roberts, Caledon School, c 1970
    Caledon School, c 1970
Biography

“This is the universal appeal of Roberts’ work, the shared identity of all Canadians, and the appeal of belonging and being welcome. “

Sampson Matthews Prints

 

Thomas Keith Roberts (1909-1998), a significant figure in Canadian art history, was born in Toronto, Ontario, into a family deeply rooted in the artistic legacy of the renowned Roberts Gallery, founded by his grandfather Samuel Roberts in 1842. Encouraged by this rich heritage, Tom Roberts developed a passion for art from an early age, nurtured by the vibrant cultural environment fostered within his family.

 

His formal art education commenced at Toronto's Central Technical School, where he studied under notable artists such as Peter Haworth, Carl Schaefer, and Charles Goldhamer. Roberts further honed his skills at the Ontario College of Art, learning from respected figures like J.W. Beatty, F.S. Challener, Yvonne McKague Housser and Fred Haines.

 

Tom Roberts; Home After School

Tom Roberts; Home After School  

 

During World War II, Tom Roberts served in the Royal Canadian Engineers, utilizing his artistic talents to document army life through sketches and watercolours. This period not only sharpened his observational skills but also provided inspiration for his post-war artistic endeavors.

 

Upon returning to civilian life, Roberts embarked on a career as a freelance artist, drawing inspiration from influential art movements such as the Group of Seven and French Impressionism. His paintings, characterized by vivid colours and dynamic compositions, captured the diverse landscapes of Canada, from Northern Ontario to the Maritime provinces.

 

Tom Roberts; The Old Schoolhouse

Tom Roberts; The Old Schoolhouse

 

Roberts' artistic output, enriched by his military experience, documented not only the historical relevance of his service years but also the deep human connections and rugged beauty of the environments that shaped Canada's identity.

 

Throughout his career, Roberts was a member of prestigious organizations like the Royal Canadian Academy and the Ontario Society of Artists, participating in numerous exhibitions that celebrated his prolific contributions to Canadian art. His work, influenced by artists like J.W. Beatty, evolved over time to reflect nostalgic elements of Canadian life, often featuring scenes of children at play and serene rural landscapes.

 

Tom Roberts; Cap de Rosier, Gaspe

Tom Roberts; Cap de Rosier, Gaspe

 

Additionally, Roberts' extensive travels throughout Canada, including the Credit Valley, Caledon Hills, Georgian Bay, Haliburton District, Ottawa Valley, and the Laurentians in Quebec, inspired many of his paintings. He demonstrated versatility by using both oil and watercolours to depict landscapes and quaint town scenes.

 

Throughout the mid-1980s, Roberts held over thirty solo exhibitions, demonstrating the enduring popularity and admiration for his art, particularly in Toronto.