His 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 fourth-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 and very much enjoyed touring Washington in the snow. 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 time in 2010, ” After months of research, flying time and films and most importantly the honor of 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”. “I have been so blessed to have enjoyed the gift of art since childhood. My career has taken me to many beautiful places across the world and introduced me to countless wonderful people. I have never considered myself a great historian nor one who chronicles in great detail anything in particular. I simply take great joy in capturing a great moment in time in God’s magnificent universe and share what I see with others. I attribute the success I have had and the hearts I have touched to and the unwavering support of my family and friends and God’s great grace. I cannot thank each of you enough.”