Jasper F. Cropsey's "A Blasted Tree" demonstrates the artist's skilled draftsmanship through a combination of pen and brown ink with brown wash, creating dramatic tonal variations that emphasize the gnarled, weathered character of the tree. The use of white heightening adds luminous accents that contrast with the darker areas, giving the composition atmospheric depth and romantic sensibility typical of nineteenth century landscape art. The inclusion of a floorplan on the verso suggests Cropsey's dual practice as both painter and architect, revealing the practical breadth of his artistic interests beyond his celebrated Hudson River School landscapes.