Gerald L. Lubeck was born on September 11, 1942, in Long Branch, New Jersey. During his high school days at Westfield Senior High School, he participated in numerous art and sports related activities. Upon graduation, he received a scholarship to the National Academy of Design in New York City. He studied with Maxwell S. Simpson of Scotch Plains, New Jersey, Lajos Markos of New York City. Gerald spent two years as a medic in the U.S. Army. The year he spent in Vietnam enabled his to befriend many Vietnamese people, many of whom were subjects of his paintings. His service in Vietnam and his work as an iron worker never detracted form his painting. While realism has always dominated his works, he is always experimenting with different media and approaches to all subject matter. His work is disciplined primarily by time constraints and mood. He believes that his work has been influenced by as many unknowns as masters. He is especially fond of the freedom of thought and style expressed by children.