Earl Eugene Staley: A Visionary Watercolorist Exploring Mortality and Symbolism Earl Eugene Staley (1938 – 2014) emerged as a distinctive voice in American watercolor painting, captivating audiences with his haunting depictions of skulls intertwined with serpents—images that resonate deeply with themes of death, transformation, and the cyclical nature of existence. Early Life & Education: Born in Houston, Texas, Staley’s artistic journey began at Lamar University where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1961 followed by a Master of Fine Arts degree from the same institution in…