Nuijen focused on the atmospheric effects of light and weather. His work often includes dramatic scenes such as Schipbreuk op een rotsachtige kust or quiet moments like Schets van een huis aan een gracht. He used a broader brushstroke and a more varied colour palette than was common in the Netherlands at the time. This approach brought a new sense of movement to his maritime scenes and city views. He preferred to capture the mood of a place rather than just its physical details.

Modern collectors value the energy found in his compositions. His sketches, such as Straat in een Duitse stad, feel immediate and fresh. The balance between detailed architecture and soft, hazy skies makes his prints suitable for various interior styles. His art provides a window into the Romantic era without the heavy sentimentality of later periods. These works offer a sense of history and atmosphere to a home.