Jasper Frances Cropsey sketched during the summer and painted in his studio during the winter. His later work showed autumn scenes with vivid colors.

When Cropsey brought his artwork to England, the British did not know about the brilliant colors of the Northeastern United States leaves. They said that Cropsey did not paint true nature. To prove the colors were real, Cropsey hung some brightly colored autumn leaves next to his paintings. This way, he was able to show the British that his vivid leaf colors were not imaginary.

Look at Cropsey’s painting of Lake George. Compare it with his Autumn on the Hudson River.  Do you believe that Jasper F. Cropsey was showing real nature in these paintings? Why?

How did Cropsey answer accusations that he was "being untrue to nature"? Do you think that was a good way to respond?