Gary Erbe (American, b. 1944) Self Portrait #3 Trompe-l'Å“il, 1968 oil on canvas signed Gary T. Erbe Artist and dated on business card 25 x 22 inches. Please note the texts appearing on the pieces of paper: Portrait paperErbe (Gary T.) . SeLf PorTrait #3 . Oil On CanvasBorn in Union City, N.J. September 2, 1949. Erbe began PainTingBeing SeLf-TaughT, was greatly influenced by the Dutch Masters.His wife, EDNY, also was a great inspiration. His goal is PerFecTion,And to PainT FuLL Time, open a gallery and give private Lessons inPainTing. G Erbe 11-1968XV Upper note-poemCONjVRERThe artist lifts his brushTo canvas clean and whiteAnd from its fibers rush,Through pigments dark and light,A glimpse of beauty's blush.He mixes carefullyThe colors on his plate,(A strange and speckled sea)Determining their fateAnd Immortality.R. Christopher Erb