Terri Kelly Moyers
In conversation with Bonnie Gangelhoff
BG: Has anything been a constant source of inspiration throughout your career or have new inspirations arisen?
TKM: I have always been fascinated by horses and animals. Figurative work also inspires me. I am constantly searching for new sources of inspiration. Western subject matter appeals to me because of the breadth and variety it affords. Having grown up in the West, it was natural subject matter for me. Now however, after having traveled all over the world, I find I am influenced by so much more. Today, I tend to vary my subject matter because it keeps my work fresh.
Under Western Stars, 2019, oil, 36 x 36.
“I grew up in Alberta, Canada, and was surrounded by Western vistas and culture. Early in my career, I painted many scenes of cowgirls, horses and Western landscapes. This painting is a slightly different take on that genre.”
BG: In terms of technique and style, what has changed since the beginning of your career and what do you continue to rely on for your artwork?
TKM: My style has evolved since I began my career, as do many artists’ styles over the years. It’s not a conscious effort on my part. Very early on, I painted mostly wildlife. Eventually I became interested in human figures and began to incorporate them into my work. I continue to rely on the foundation afforded me from when I studied with professional artists early on in my art career.
Avanyu Watches, 2021, oil, 48 x 36.
“The young Pueblo girl holds a large Santa Clara bowl and is surrounded by a water serpent image that has significant importance to Pueblo peoples. The painting was exhibited in the 2023 Masters of the American West show at the Autry Museum of the American West in Los Angeles, California.”
BG: What is the best advice you have received in your art career?
TKM: The advice from Robert Lougheed has been invaluable. The core of the advice was “to work hard, don’t give up and paint from life whenever possible.”
The Price of War, 2020, oil, 36 x 36.
“This painting is a statement and reflection on the choices we make in life. The piece was shown recently at Prix de West Invitational Art Exhibition & Sale at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.”
BG: What are some of your proudest career achievements?
TKM: I am proud of numerous awards, including an award at the Prix de West Invitational Art Exhibition & Sale at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. Perhaps the greatest reward for me, however, is when a patron purchases a piece of art because it represents something meaningful to them.
Season’s End – Lake McArthur, 2023, oil, 36 x 36.
The subject of the painting is Lake McArthur in Yoho National Park in Canada. This area is very special to me because my husband, John, and I have spent many hours painting from life in the region for the last 40 years.
BG: What are you working on right now?
TKM: I’m working on a large, figurative piece with a bit of a twist that I hope to put in the 2026 Prix de West Invitational Art Exhibition & Sale.
Child of the Universe, 2023, oil on cradled board, 48 x 36.
contact information
terrikellymoyersart.com
representation
Legacy Gallery, Scottsdale, AZ, & Santa Fe, NM, legacygallery.com.
Maxwell Alexander Gallery, Pasadena, CA, maxwellalexandergallery.com.
Medicine Man Gallery, Tucson, AZ, medicinemangallery.com.
upcoming show
Prix de West, National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, June 12-13.