Tucked beneath the tree-lined streets of Ardsley Park, inside a cozy carriage house studio, artist Terry B. Gardner is quietly creating a world of joy. Her art—often vivid, always heartfelt—draws deeply from the natural beauty around her. With every brushstroke in oil or wash of watercolor, she brings birds, blooms, and memories to life.

A retired graphic designer and illustrator, Terry now spends her time immersed in fine art. Her style is whimsical yet grounded, delicate but full of color and confidence. “I make mostly happy art,” she says, echoing the words from her Instagram bio, and it shows. Her work radiates warmth, as if every flower she paints was plucked from a sunlit garden and carefully preserved on paper.

Inspiration for Terry comes in many forms—sometimes from a growing file of ideas she's collected, sometimes from her daily walks, and often from her clients themselves. “There’s always an abundance of ideas,” she says, “but not nearly enough time to create them all.” Whether it’s a commissioned piece or a spontaneous painting sparked by a bird on a branch, each project is approached with curiosity, care, and her ever-evolving artistic eye.

Her proudest achievements? Not gallery shows or accolades—but the moments of joy her work brings to others. It’s this emotional connection that fuels her creative spirit. Terry’s art isn't about spectacle; it's about soul.

In addition to her solo work, Terry is dreaming up something beautiful for the community: an Ardsley art studio stroll, where local artists can open their doors and share their process with neighbors. After the success of a recent open studio event, she’s inspired to keep the momentum going, inviting more voices into the artistic conversation.

When she’s not painting, designing, or dreaming up her next project, Terry finds joy in her family—her two talented adult children, her wonderful in-laws, and her beloved grandson, baby Emmett. Alongside her husband Jim, and three rescue pets, she’s embraced Savannah as home, savoring the life she’s built, one brushstroke at a time.

Follow Her Journey
To see Terry’s latest work, follow her on Instagram @TerryBGardner or visit her website TerryBGardner.com.  Whether you’re looking for a piece that makes you smile or simply want to support a local creative spirit, you’ll find her art as generous and uplifting as the artist herself.