Proud Products of Texas Public Schools

Jack Terry

Memorial High School
Victoria ISD

Jack Terry’s paintings reflect a versatility found among few artists. His paintings are a breath of fresh air, which encompass subject matter, use of color, and grace of light, all of which evoke emotion to each viewer.

Terry was born in West Texas in 1952 and began his art career as a young child, winning his first of many awards at the age of 9. A fourth-generation Texan, he credits much of his inspiration to his grandfather, a rancher, who cowboyed on some of the last great cattle drives of the West, and his grandmother, who painted the landscapes and people of West Texas. His roots are deeply planted in the ways of the West, and he continually seeks inspiration from the people and the places that are carrying on the tradition. Six-time World Champion Cowboy Larry Mahan has said of him, “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. His horses, cowboys, and landscapes are as good as it gets.”

Terry was named Bicentennial Artist in Texas in 1976 and was honored with a one-man exhibit in the Capitol rotunda in Austin. His portrait of President Lyndon B. Johnson was commissioned for publication in the Texas Bicentennial Calendar that year. Since those early years, Terry has had many successful one-man shows throughout the nation and continues that tradition annually.

“The teacher who was special to me was Betty Bird. She was always encouraging in art and writing skills.”

—Jack Terry