Gary received his BFA from Kutztown University in Pennsylvania in 1976, then studied at the Art Students League of New York, SVA, and NYU. He first worked as a graphic designer in NYC at several book publishing houses. He then freelanced illustration for Dell Puzzle Magazines, Silhouette Romance, and Barbour Publishing, and also worked as a fine art print colorist at Mill Pond Press in Venice, Florida. His work aspires to the traditions of nineteenth century academic realism.