Elliot A. Brooks was born in Orient, Long Island and lived in the small village for his entire life.  He began studying art on his own after possibly being introduced to painting by William Steeple Davis, Harry Roseland or James Knox, all living in Orient.  Initially, he painted small marine paintings. Eventually, he skillfully executed local landscapes and seascapes.  E.A. Brooks often painted with fellow Peconic Bay Impressionists, Caroline Bell, Annie Young, Madeline Bassarear, Clara Howard, Marguerite Hawkins and Rachel Beebe.