Cor Schaap, born in Katwijk aan Zee, has a deep connection with 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 a modern impressionist style. This connection to the sea is rooted in his family history; Schaap's father was a fisherman, his grandfather a fish merchant, and his grandfather a shellfish fisherman. Trudy Schaap, his wife, also has family ties to the sea that live on today in, among other things, the eponymous fish shop Schuitemaker in Katwijk.

 

Despite this background, Cor Schaap chose a creative career, and although he initially intended to pursue his education at the art academy in The Hague, he shifted his focus there to the design and media sector. Around 2019, Cor Schaap decided to make a complete turnaround. He withdrew somewhat and focused entirely on painting. This choice had not only an artistic but also a therapeutic motivation.

 

During his artistic development, Cor Schaap received guidance from various painters. An important mentor was Niek van der Plas, who gave Schaap valuable advice. In 2019, Hans Versfelt shared his technique with Schaap 'en plein air' in Kijkduin. However, by far the majority of skills and techniques were taught by Joop van Leeuwen, the well-known Hague Impressionist. A beautiful hardcover book (90 pages full color) has been published about the period when Schaap and Van Leeuwen painted together under ISBN/EAN number 9789090360959.

 

Modern Impressionism

Schaap continues to evolve, and with it, his style. Today's exclusive gallery work forms a chapter of its own. His oeuvre is shifting towards larger formats: sunny, colorful, and atmospheric paintings in an evocative style. Sketchy impressions, rendered with a fluid touch, evoke a sunny feeling without getting bogged down in details. Inspired by Israëls, Matisse, Dufy, and Neo-Impressionism, Cor Schaap's distinctive work in 2026 has led to a recognizable style that—as the painter himself describes it—encompasses everything that is also characteristic of him. The new work is created full of inspiration and with visible pleasure, and is also gladly shared.