About Jack Terry

Jack Terry’s paintings evoke emotion in the viewer encompassing subject matter, use of color, mood and grace of light. He is one of the most collected artists of our time. Jack was born in the west Texas town of Sweetwater in 1952 and began his art career as a young child, winning his first of many awards at the age of nine. A sixth-generation Texan, he credits much of his inspiration to his maternal Grandfather, Bill Mason, a rancher who cowboyed on some of the last cattle drives of the west and his paternal Grandmother, Etna Terry, who began painting late in life and welcomed young Jack to participate in the fun. Six-time world champion Cowboy Larry Mahan has said of Jack, “Terry captures the West the way it was and the way it should be. He is one of the finest artists of our day and a pretty good cowhand to boot…”. A graduate of the University of Texas, Jack studied studio art, anatomy, design and journalism while displaying his paintings in various galleries throughout the state. Upon graduation, he began painting full-time, taking every opportunity to day-work on various ranches in search of inspiration, new subject matter and authenticity. In 1976, at the young age of 24, Jack Terry was named Bicentennial Artist in Texas. He was honored with a one-man show in the state Capitol Rotunda. His portrait of President Lyndon Johnson was commissioned for publication on the Texas Bicentennial Calendar that same year. In 1999, Harvest House Publishers invited Jack to write and illustrate his first book. “The Great Trail Ride”, a collection of 14 inspirational short stories. The great success of that first title led to eight more books which sold over one million copies. In 2008 First Lady Laura Bush invited Jack to the White House for the Holiday Celebration. He painted a Christmas tree ornament representing the state of Texas. In 2010 the United States Army commissioned a painting honoring the First Air Calvary Division and the brave men and women who have served from the historic beginning of the U.S. Calvary, Viet Nam and the Middle East. Limited edition reproductions were signed by Jack, Medal of Honor Recipient Bruce Crandall from the Viet Nam War, and General Dick Cody, Vice Chief of Staff, U.S. Army. Jack responded about this special occasion in 2010, “After months of research, flying time and researching films and most importantly sitting at the same table with these heroes whose commitment, loyalty and sacrifice to our great nation have made this the most meaningful painting I have ever done”. Jack Terry’s paintings hang in prominent collections throughout the country. The King Ranch, Exxon-Mobil, actor Burt Reynolds, producer Dick Clark, singers Tammy Wynette and Travis Tritt, Legendary Dallas Cowboy and NFLHOF linebacker Bob Lily, PGA champion Hal Sutton, Texas Governor Ann Richards and President George W. Bush. Jack’s art has been featured in such magazines as Western Horseman, Southwest Art, Western Art Collector, Art-Talk, Cowboys and Indians and Collectors Mart.