Roberta’s Roses, originally uploaded by photographerpainterprintmaker.

Back in the summer you may remember that four of us went up north to a small town named Wilberforce, Ontario to attend a Plein Air event called Brush with the Highlands. We stayed a quaint old motel called the Bostonian. It was perfect for our needs. The proprietor, Roberta, is loved by many, and we soon found out why. While we were there a family needed a place for an out of town relative who was there for a funeral. Roberta opened her arms and gave a room to these people gratis. She received this lovely bouquet of roses as a thank you. The story does not end there. Last year Roberta had a fire. The townspeople of Wilberforce got together and helped her rebuild her motel. So not only is Roberta a gem, but the towns folk are as well.

Margaret and I spent a few hours painting this beautiful vase of flowers en Plein Air. We set up the scene on the picnic table in front of the motel, and enjoyed the northern afternoon sun.