Terry Gardner – Artist Biography Terry Gardner creates atmospheric paintings of the American West from his studio in Morrison, Colorado. Born and raised in Missouri, he earned a Bachelor of Arts from Maryville University in St. Louis in 1986 before pursuing a career in commercial advertising. His fascination with western subjects began through television and film during his youth, eventually drawing him to relocate to Colorado in his early thirties. After moving west, Gardner studied with Mark Daily and Quang Ho at the Art Students League of Denver, relationships that proved instrumental in developing his artistic practice. Working primarily in oil paint, he employs muted colors and atmospheric qualities often described as tonalist in approach. His compositions begin with observations of his surroundings but evolve in the studio to explore deeper themes of mystery and contemplation. Gardner has participated in the Coors National Western Art Exhibit for seventeen consecutive years and served as the featured artist in 2019. He has exhibited with Oil Painters of America and The National Oil and Acrylic Painters Society, receiving recognition including the Award of Excellence from Southwest Art magazine editors and Best of Show at Wrightstone Fine Arts Center. His work addresses the changing landscape of the American West, from high plains ranches to mountain evergreens, capturing subjects through what he describes as a veil of mystery. Gardner is represented by select galleries across the United States including Abend Gallery, with his paintings held in public and private collections throughout the U.S. and Europe.