Walter Brooks’ sketch books illustrate the fact that he was constantly thinking about capturing on paper everything he saw. He sketched in pencil, felt tip pen, brush and ink and watercolor. Some pages have impressively detailed images that are studies for paintings, including color notes and ideas for alternative treatments. In some cases, the sketches are clearly done quickly but nevertheless effectively capture a place or an expression (see the wartime sketches on the troop ship). Some of his watercolor sketches are simply beautiful, small paintings.

The following are samples; his sketch books span his entire career: from sketches done during WW II, on the way to the Pacific Theater and in Papua New Guinea, the Philippines and Japan, to a trip to Italy in the. mid-1980s. In between there are many trips to Maine.

Wartime sketches

On a troop ship to Papua New Guinea

In Papua New Guinea, 1944

In Manilla, 1945

Travel sketches

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