Bastert is closely identified with the river Vecht. He spent much of his career documenting the banks and villages along this waterway near Breukelen. His style relies on soft brushwork and a palette of silver-greys and muted greens. He avoided the heavy storms or dark clouds favoured by some Hague School painters. Instead, he focused on the clear light of a summer day or the reflection of trees in a still canal.

Collectors today appreciate the sense of stillness in his work. His depictions of farmyards and rural paths offer a view of a quiet, rural past. These prints provide a calming influence in a room. The compositions are balanced and rely on natural observations rather than dramatic effects. His work remains a staple for those who enjoy the tradition of Dutch realism and the subtle shifts of light over water.