Terry Gardner was born and raised in St. Louis, the gateway to the West. He started painting at a young age and some of his early lessons were with a friar, Brother Matthew. One of his favorite things to do growing up was watching early Western films and television. This would play an important role later in life.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts from Maryville University in St. Louis, he began a career in advertising. It wouldn’t be long before the lure of West was too strong and he would move to Golden, Colorado. Shortly thereafter he began studying with Quang Ho and Mark Daily at the Art Students League of Denver. He attributes much of his growth as an artist to their guidance and approach to painting.

After balancing a successful career in advertising and fine art, Gardner would soon leave the commercial world to pursue painting full time. For nearly three decades he has been exhibiting and selling work in the West and has been a participant in the Coors Western Art Exhibit for more than 20 years. His work is in private and public collections throughout the United States and Europe. With three kids in college, his life has been anything but empty. He currently lives and works in Morrison, Colorado, with his wife Julie.