Dirk Filarski, together with Arnout Colnot, is considered one of the pioneers of the Bergen School. He was a traveling artist who spend weeks abroad capturing cities and their ambiance. Dirk Filarski left for Switzerland in 1912, where he painted mountain landscapes with striking color accents. Between 1912-1917 he stayed for longer periods in Switzerland and Italy (Lago Maggiore). Dirk Filarski traveled extensively to Southern Europe. In 1925 he lived with his family in Tourettes-sur-Loupe, where he made paintings in green, yellow, and light brown tones. That year he also traveled with Matthieu Wiegman through Tuscany to Rome.

The works he created during his travels in 1937 and 1938 are the final ones where Filarski signed with D.H.W. Filarski. From Spring 1938 and onwards he only signed his works with his last name, leaving out his initials.

Filarski received many awards, medals and honor exhibitions. His work was of interest to museums and private collectors at home and abroad. Even now, when a Filarski comes on the market, the interest is still great.