These sketchbook pages reflect the “explosion of energy and ideas” that Robert experienced at this time. The student artist identifies with Bob Dylan who boasts that he needs a dump-truck to unload all that’s in his mind. On the left hand page, Robert outlines a current project: “a painting about the discussion of white in Moby Dick. White representing pure holy innocence or clear colorless atheism. The whale’s eye containing the wisdom of the ages yet its front is totally blank and stupid.” The initial sketch shows the giant whale filling the composition, its bulk compressed inside a tiny container. The creature is so huge that nothing can be seen beyond it. There is no thought yet of adding other elements.

On the facing page, Robert gathers background material for his Mirage series. Photocopies of patterns in the sand are glued in place. Robert draws arrows in the margins and writes “arrows indicating wind direction.”