Niek van der Plas, born in 1954 in Katwijk aan Zee, is a Dutch painter known for his impressionistic depictions of the beach, dunes and other typical Dutch scenes. As the eldest son in a family of four children, he was encouraged by his father to draw at an early age. In 1966 he was nominated as a student at the Famous Artist School in the United States, which further stimulated his artistic development.

Van der Plas is self-taught and developed a style characterized by warm, bright colors and an impressionistic approach. His paintings often show the fishing village of Katwijk, with the old white church, the sea and the dunes as recurring elements. In addition to beach and dune landscapes, he also paints cityscapes of Amsterdam and Maastricht, flower bulb fields and harbors of old Dutch cities.

His work is appreciated both nationally and internationally and appeals to a wide audience. In the United States, his paintings are particularly appreciated, where they are included in several prestigious collections. His use of warm colours and the French atmosphere in his work contribute to his popularity.

Van der Plas often makes sketches outdoors, which he later develops into complete paintings in his studio. This method allows him to capture the essence of the moment and translate it into canvases that transport the viewer to the depicted scenes.

His oeuvre covers a wide range of subjects, but his love for the beach and the sea remains a constant factor. Over the years, he has built up an impressive portfolio that captures the beauty of the Dutch landscape and daily life, seen through the eyes of a master colourist.