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 painters. An important mentor was Niek van der Plas, who gave Schaap valuable advice. 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 well-known Hague Impressionist. Schaap and Van Leeuwen still work together regularly. 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 under ISBN/EAN number 9789090360959.

From 2024 onwards, Schaap continues to develop from the aforementioned foundation, as does his style. Schaap continues to create charming, unique small-format beach scenes, alongside artistic gallery work that shifts towards larger canvases in a suggestive style using abundant paint and broad brushstrokes/palette knife application. The sea with its majestic skies remains a source of inspiration; different every day, the coast remains an enduring source of inspiration. Schaap's gallery work is offered at Galerie Gabriëls at Noordeinde 103 in The Hague, a well-known name in the art trade since 1974.

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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

From 2026, Cor Schaap opts for a looser, more suggestive way of working. He paints faster and deliberately leaves things open, allowing the viewer to discover what they see for themselves. This challenge appeals to him: not filling everything in, but leaving room for imagination. Just like Max Liebermann and Isaac Israëls, he seeks an impressionistic atmosphere in which light, feeling, and experience are more important than every detail.