You must try to match your colors as nearly as you can to those you see before you, and you must study the effects of light and shade on nature's own hues and tints.

The Shinnecock works in particular have come to be thought of by art historians as particularly fine examples of American Impressionism. Chase taught at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts from 1896 to 1909; the Art Students League from 1878 to 1896 and again from 1907 to 1911; and the Brooklyn Art Association in 1887 and from 1891 to 1896. In addition to his painting Chase actively developed an interest in teaching.

He is also responsible for establishing the Chase School which later would become Parsons The New School for Design.