“Every painting is an emotional investment depicting the intimate corners and subjects of the American West. Some are close to home, some are high in the mountains, and some are shaped concepts influenced by actions of the past. I am most interested in expressing the mystery and intrigue of subjects, where the actions of the past meet the influences of today.
The mysterious and ethereal qualities I invoke in paintings are intended to invite contemplation. I am an expressive tonalist, where values and colors come from the soul to engage with meaningful brushstrokes. Paintings are born from drawings and color studies and through this process what is reflected, is a relationship of a place I love, the American West.”
–Terry Gardner
About The Artist
Terry Gardner began his career in St. Louis balancing commercial and fine art. Early western films and television deeply influenced his interest in the American West. He moved to Colorado early in his career and eventually he parted from advertising to pursue painting full time. Gardner credits his growth as an artist, more than college or the commercial art industry, to Quang Ho and Mark Daily. He studied with both of these accomplished artists at the Art Students League of Denver. Gardner’s compositions are born from his surroundings but evolve in his studio to a place that is deeper, where mystery and contemplation are nurtured. His paintings are expressive and ethereal with color selections intended to encourage dialogue.
Gardner has exhibited work throughout the west for 20 years. In 2019 he was the featured artist at the Coors National Western Art Exhibit in Denver. He has participated in this event for eighteen consecutive years. His work has been featured by the Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricutlural Land Trust, raising awareness and support for conserving Colorado’s western heritage. His paintings are in collections throughout the United States and Europe. He currently lives and works in Morrison, Colorado.
Exhibits & Gallery Shows
Coors National Western Show, Denver, CO 2004-2022
Ascent Capital Management Landscape Show, Denver, CO, 2017
Ranchlands, Denver CO. 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019
Telluride Gallery of Fine Art, Two Person Show, 2017
Altamira Gallery, Group Show, Jackson Hole, WY, 2016
Art on Loan, Office of Congress, Washington, DC 2016 - 2020
Ann Korologos Gallery, Two Person Show, Basalt, CO 2015
Fraction Gallery, Three Person Show, Lakewood, CO 2012
Meyer Munson Gallery, Group Show, 2007, Santa Fe, NM 2007
Pinon Fine Art, Three Person Show, Littleton CO 2005, 2006
Gallery A, Group Show, Taos, NM, 2005
Gallery A, One Person Show Taos, NM 2004
Pinon Fine Art, Two Person Show, Denver, CO, 2004
Spark Gallery, Two Person Show, Denver, CO, 2003
Valentine Fine Art, Three Person Show, Livingstone, MT, 2003
Horizon Fine Art, Three Person Show, Jackson Hole, WY 2002
Oil Painters of America, Washington, D.C. 2002
Denver Invitational, Merrill Johnson Gallery, Denver, CO 2000
Faces of Woman, Las Vegas Arts Council, NM; 2000
Wrightstone Fine Arts Center, NE; 1998, 1999
National Oil and Acrylic Painters Society, MO; 1998, 1999
About Face, St Louis Artists Guild; 1999
Awards & Honors
Featured Artist Coors Western Art Exhibit 2019
Southwest Art Magazine Award of Excellence 2009
Little Jewel Award, Tucson Plein Air Paint Event, AZ; 2001
Best Oil, Las Vegas Arts Council, NM 2000
Best of Show Award, Wrightstone Fine Arts Center, NE; 1999
Publications
Aspen Peak 2020
Voyage Phoenix 2019
Western Art Collector 2019
5280 Magazine 2019
Western Art & Architecture 2018
Telluride In and Out (blog) 2017
Southwest Art Magazine, 2016
Meaning-full.com (art blog) 2014
Rocky Mountain News, 2004
Taos Magazine 2003
Art Talk 2002
Collections
Private & Public collections throughout the U.S and Europe
