Terry was born and raised in Missouri where he received his Bachelor of Arts from Maryville University. He moved west to paint outdoors and develop an intimate relationship with the land and life of the West. Gardner's compositions are born from his surroundings but evolve in his studio to a place that is darker and deeper, a place where the location invites curiosity. Known mostly for his contemporary landscapes, he never rests on past successes. He has participated in many national shows (OPA, NOAPS) and has received numerous awards including; the Littler Jewel Award for Plein Aire Work in Tucson, Best of Show at the Wrightstone Fine Arts Center, and the Editors Choice Award from Southwest Art magazine. His work hangs in American and European collections.