Graphic artist

Nieuwenkamp’s etchings and wood cuts were widely acclaimed for their high quality. Before the Second World War he was also well known as a Graphic artist inside and outside the Netherlands. It was, above all others, J.G. Veldheer (1866-1954) and J.M. Graadt van Roggen (1867-1959) who had taught him the nuts and bolts of the trade. Veldheer (1866-1954) en J.M. Graadt van Roggen (1867-1959). In Paris he met engraver Pieter Dupont (1870-1911).

Master of all techniques
He soon proved himself to be a gifted graphic artist, mastering all the graphic techniques: etching, dry-point etching, aquatint, wood cuts and lithography. Nieuwenkamp knew exactly how to exploit the different possibilities of the etching technique. He experimented a lot, including using materials other than copper. So for engraving and etching he would use zinc (stove plates), aluminium, ebonite and celluloid. He created stylish prints, but also functional prints such as bookplates, vignettes, decorative edgings and initial capital letters. And for this he was widely respected by his fellow-artists. He earned several rewards for his graphic works.
Designer and graphic artist S.H. de Roos (1877-1962) commented on Nieuwenkamp’s works: ‘Nieuwenkamp knew exactly how to exploit the wide range of possibilities offered by etching techniques to the full.’