Drawing since he was ten years old, Gerard became inspired and influenced by the classic portraits by masters such as Rembrandt, Van Dyck and Rubens who “controlled the subtle color harmonies, the spare compositions and masterly handling of light”, Matisse, Manet and Renoir who “worked quickly in order to capture the fleeting moment and to give their work a spontaneous feel”. Combining his experience, training in the old masters’ technique in oil painting he learned at Adelaide Central School of Art and the mentorship of commercial artist David Beevor, Gerard set out on his own and worked from his studio as a freelance artist in Adelaide, South Australia, selling his pieces to private collectors. Since 2022 he manages and owns an art gallery, Gallery Lenuancier, in Norwood and conducts art workshops.