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Terry Gardner moved west from Missouri to paint the outdoors and develop an intimate relationship with the land and life of the west. Shortly after moving to Colorado he studied with Mark Daily and Quang Ho 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 darker and deeper, a place where mystery and contemplation are nurtured. With each of his pieces he aims to open a dialogue for viewers while making a subtle statement about urgent issues facing the West. Gardner’s artist statement for Western Heritage, on view at Ann Korologos Gallery, is no exception, except, perhaps, for its optimism.
“Over the years I have been able to meet and experience first hand the work and dedication of wranglers and ranch hands. The path they have chosen is not an easy one. Mud, dust, snow, and cold. The seasons are unforgiving but they wouldn’t have it any other way.
“Witnessing their hard work and generous spirit has inspired many paintings. Wrangler Dylan and Cowgirl In Pink capture an angle, a moment, where hard-working, young wranglers, are doing what they love. It was a June morning, another branding in the ranching neighborhood, where mile markers outnumber mail boxes.
“These paintings invite the viewer into the life of a rancher, a way of life that is romantic but not many choose. I paint the people of ranching out of respect. I have become fond of their relationship to the land and animals, and for choosing a way of life often discouraged.
