Jakob Nieweg, also known as 'Jaap' Nieweg, was born in Friesland, the son of a minister. He studied theology in Groningen, taking various drawing and painting lessons during his studies. Crucial to his development as an artist was his encounter with art educator HP Bremmer. He taught Nieweg to 'see'—not only observable reality, but also the spiritual dimension of the world around him. According to Bremmer, this was achieved through intensive observation of nature. After several years as a minister, he resigned his ministry in 1914 to devote himself entirely to art. He worked in Bloemendaal and Amersfoort. He primarily painted still lifes, but also landscapes and cityscapes.