Cor Schaap, a painter born in Katwijk aan Zee, has a deep connection to the sea and the beach, which is clearly reflected in his oil paintings. Beach scenes are a recurring theme in his work, which he executes in an impressionistic style. This connection to the sea is rooted in his family history; Schaap's father was a fisherman and his grandfather a shell fisherman. Despite this background, Schaap chose a creative career and, although he initially intended to study at the art academy in The Hague, shifted his focus there to the design and media sectors.

Around 2019, Schaap decided to make a change. He withdrew somewhat and focused entirely on painting. This choice was motivated not only artistically but also therapeutically.

During his artistic development, Cor Schaap received guidance from various artists. An important mentor was Niek van der Plas, who provided valuable advice to Schaap. In 2019, Hans Versfelt shared his technique and knowledge with Schaap en plein air in Kijkduin. Most of the skills and techniques were taught by Joop van Leeuwen, the renowned Hague Impressionist. Schaap and Van Leeuwen still regularly collaborate, and Van Leeuwen's influence is clearly visible in Schaap's paintings. A beautiful hardcover book (90 pages, full color) has been published about the period when Schaap and Van Leeuwen painted together, with the ISBN/EAN number 9789090360959.

From 2024 onwards, Schaap will continue to develop from this foundation, and so will his style. Schaap will continue to create charming, unique, small-format beach scenes, alongside his artistic gallery work, which will shift to larger canvases in a suggestive style with abundant paint and broad brushstrokes/palette knife. Schaap works outdoors or in the studio behind his house. From 2025 onwards, he will also be active at the Gooise Academie in Laren. Schaap's gallery work will be offered at Galerie Gabriëls at Noordeinde 103 in The Hague, a well-known name in the art trade since 1974. A series of new paintings is in progress; expressing what lives within—in color and composition. Expressive work.

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• 2012 Presidential Award Hope University

• 2015 Award-Winning Work KUCO Art Calendar

• 2016 Painting AZC nms municipality of Katwijk

• 2017 Expo Palace Hotel Noordwijk

• 2019 Expo Katwijk Town Hall

• 2021 Expo center Katwijk aan Zee

• 2022 Expo Galerie Gabriëls The Hague

• 2023 Expo PKN Wassenaar

• 2024/25 Expo Two Brothers Noordwijk Beach

- Mini exhibition at Emmaplein in Katwijk

- In addition to regular work, a series of expressive paintings: expressions of experience and faith