De Ploeg painter and student of Jan Jordens, Jan Baan, loved the Groningen city life, which he captured vigorously in daring colors. He was also one of the 'sailing' Ploeg members. In his plein-air paintings of the water, sailing boats, sailors and swimmers give life to his compositions, while at the same time he is paying attention to space and atmosphere. Van der Baan also made woodcuts, linocuts and lithographs and worked as a glazier.