Cor Schaap (1968) - Strand

Painted on a painter's board and simply but very atmospherically framed in a nearly plain frame.

Cor Schaap, a painter 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 an impressionist style. This bond with the sea is rooted in his family history; Schaap's father was a fisherman and his grandfather was a shellfish fisherman. Despite this background, Schaap chose a creative career, and although he initially wanted to study at the art academy in The Hague, he shifted his focus to the design and media sector.

Around 2019, Schaap decided to make a change of direction. 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 'en plein air' technique and knowledge with Schaap in Kijkduin. Most skills and techniques were taught by Joop van Leeuwen, the well-known Hague impressionist. Schaap and Van Leeuwen still work together regularly. The influences of Van Leeuwen are clearly visible in Schaap’s paintings. A beautiful hardcover book (90 pages in color) has been published about the period when Schaap and Van Leeuwen painted together, with ISBN/EAN number 9789090360959.

From 2024, Schaap will further develop from the mentioned foundation, including his style. Schaap continues to create charming, unique small beach faces, alongside his artistic gallery work, which shifts towards larger canvases in a suggestive style with lots of paint and broad brushstrokes or palette knife application. The sea with its majestic skies remains a source of inspiration; the coast is constantly different and continues to inspire. Schaap's gallery work has been exhibited at Galerie Gabriëls at Noordeinde 103 in The Hague, a well-known name in the art trade since 1974.