Roberts was a Canadian painter best known for his sensitive landscapes, portraits, and contributions to the post-Group of Seven art scene in Ontario. Born in Toronto, Roberts studied at the Ontario College of Art under J.E.H. MacDonald and Arthur Lismer— members of the Group of Seven—and was deeply influenced by their dedication to capturing the Canadian landscape. Though he absorbed their stylistic values, Roberts developed a more restrained, lyrical approach, often focusing on quiet rural scenes and subtle shifts in atmosphere. His early career included teaching positions and commercial work, but he maintained a steady painting practice that eventually earned national recognition.

Throughout his career, Roberts exhibited widely across Canada and became an active participant in the country’s artistic community. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts and showed regularly with the Ontario Society of Artists. His works are held in numerous private and public collections, including the National Gallery of Canada and several regional galleries. Beyond his artistic output, Roberts was known for mentoring younger artists and advocating for the preservation of Canadian heritage landscapes. His legacy lies in his ability to blend natural observation with refined composition, creating works that continue to resonate with clarity and calm.