Dirk Breed (1920 – 2004) was born in Kolhorn, a small town in Noord-Holland. He started his training at the Rijksacademie voor Beeldende Kunsten in Amsterdam in 1946. Even though he moved to the big city, he focused on painting and drawing the landscape of West-Friesland. His landscapes were characterized by clear lines, a low horizon, different layers of paint and striking colours. For his work he received the Arti Medal in 1992. Breed passed away in 2004 and was buried at his birthplace Kolhorn.