An artist of the Dutch School, Gorter became famous for both his oil paintings and drawings of the vast landscapes with which he was so familiar. A student of the National Academy in Amsterdam, he found success not only in the Netherlands but also in Germany and France, winning an honourable mention for his work in 1904, followed by a medal in 1905, and then a second place medal in 1915.

Working more in the manner of the French Barbizon School than in that of the Dutch Hague School, Gorters style and technique were likened to such French greats as Jules Dupre and Henri Harpignies. From 1900 on, a number of his paintings could be found in Paris at the annual Salons, and one was acquired by the French state for the Musee du Luxembourg ...