Born in 1957, and studied art at Minerva Academy of Art in Groningen. He finds the subjects for his work in his own surroundings, but lets light and space play the most dominant role in the composition of his oil paintings. He often places objects off center, views them from above as they lie on the floor, surrounded by reflections of sunlight from high windows. His palet is light in colour, his touch loose. He goes on regular visits to Italy, where Venice is one of his favourite spots and inspires him with its atmosphere and light.

Van der Kooi also makes books and books full of drawings -- of city scenes in Italy or animals he has seen at a zoo, manege, or kennel. He manages in a few lines to suggest the sinewy power of a tiger or lazy nonchalance of a cat.