Starting his own business in the '80-s decorative painting became the main interest and work. And after learning a lot and gaining experiences the teaching part started for two schools and doing private teaching. Being involved in rebuilding a national restoration program for painters students are now able to go for a two years course, on a vocational base. And some of them continue attending his Master classes, with specified techniques, learning with Gert for more than five years able to get nice work out of doing Gert-Jan's classes. Next to teaching he works on small commissions, for a few Dutch sculptors, writes articles for National Magazines and is advisor on several projects.

Gert-Jan is a graduate of The National Painters School (Nimeto) and studied privately for 12 months with master painter Paul Pauwels of Belgium at his private institute. His work is heavily influenced by the Logelain-methods with emphasis on realistic and natural reproduction of marble and wood.

He has taught for over 10 years at the National Association for Decorative Painters where he teaches faux aspects as part of a two-year restoration course, provides private lessons along with on the job instruction and continually develops new material to further master his application methods and techniques. His students consistently receive the highest accolades for their portfolios and win top honors in international competitions. Gert is a member of the The International Decorative Painters' Salon