Tomhu (Tomtu)Huron Roberts (1859-1938)
{Written by Dale Bertrand from researching the John Hugh Roberts dairies and the notes in the sketchbooks of Tomhu Huron Roberts.}
1. Where do you get your ideas?
I got my ideas from nature and all its
wonders. By examining texture, colour, shadings, tones
of different natural objects. By focusing on the difference
light will make upon an object or subject, whether direct,
indirect or in the shade.
2. How many books have you written or illustrated?
I had no books in publication but did do
lesson books with my illustrations and comments for my
students.
3. How long did it take you to write
and illustrate a book or do a painting?
It would depend upon the subject or object.
I would usually start by a sketch, paying particular attention
to the contrasts of colours, shading and tones, then I
would return to my studio and either paint it as a watercolour
or an oil painting always painting under a lamp. Some
paintings and sketches would take a full day others could
be done very quickly, in minutes.
4. What advice do you have for the
children?
Pay particular attention to the beauty
of nature and all living things. Examine the object and
do a sketch which you can then expand into a painting.
Go to art galleries and see some of the wondrous paintings
and examine the techniques used by different artists.
Study these until you find a style you like and then try
to do "your own thing" with the tools you have. You will
be surprised at your results.
5. Is it hard to write or illustrate?
Concentrate! Focus! These can be quite
difficult in today's world. Learn these abilities and
you will succeed at your endeavors.
6. Who inspired you to do your work?
My father had a great influence on my appreciation
of all natural things. As for my fine art, Ruskin for
his philosophy and painting techniques, and both Turner
and Constable for their dynamic view of skys, oceans and
landscapes.
7. What kind of materials do you
use?
I would use pencil, pen and ink, and watercolour
outside and then return to the studio where I would then
take the best sketches and develop these into oil paintings
on canvas or sometimes academy board.
8. Do you do a lot of research for
your books?
For my paintings I spent hours a day outside
observing flowers, plants, animals, landscapes, and people.
