His style is defined by a muted palette and a focus on texture. In works like Stilleven in een stal, he avoids the polished surfaces seen in high-society portraiture. Instead, he uses earthy tones to depict the wood, straw, stone, and clay of rural settings. Potuyl had a particular interest in the activities of the kitchen and the courtyard. Een huisvrouw op een binnenplaatsje bij het schoonmaken van vis shows his method of using light to define the form of everyday objects rather than to create drama.

Modern collectors value Potuyl for his honest depiction of history. His paintings provide a window into the actual living conditions of the Dutch Golden Age. These scenes, such as Boerengezelschap, offer a sense of groundedness. They work well in contemporary homes because they lack the stiff formality of traditional historical art. His prints offer a connection to the quiet, functional side of the past.