Earl Bradley Lewis was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Realizing his artistic promise, two uncles, who were artists, encouraged him to pursue art training by enrolling him in an art program at the Temple University School Art League while in grade school. Under the tutelage of Clarence Wood, a noted painter in Philadelphia, Lewis began his formal art training. He remained in the program until enrolling in the Temple University Tyler School of Art in 1975.

During his four years at Temple, Lewis majored in graphic design and illustration, along with art education. There he discovered his medium of preference, watercolor and notes that he was greatly influenced by the work of Homer and George Inness.

Upon graduati...