His artistic approach combined the precision of an engraver with the soft textures of watercolour. Works such as Landscape with Cattle and Summer Months demonstrate his ability to define the physical structure of the earth. He avoided the vague, hazy forms common in many pastoral scenes. Instead, he applied a clear understanding of light and topography to his compositions. This focus on the physical structure of the land made his work distinct from the more sentimental styles of his contemporaries.

Modern collectors are drawn to Whymper because his work feels honest and grounded. His prints, such as Ellen and the Harper or Shepherd's Boy, offer a clear view of nineteenth-century life without excessive ornamentation. The clean lines and natural colour palettes fit well in contemporary homes. His art provides a sense of calm and order, based on his mastery of both technical engraving and traditional painting.