William Galen Doss

(1873-1957)

Laguna Beach, California

W. Galen Doss was one of the earliest artists that settled in Laguna Beach having arrived there in 1922 . As a founding member he became known as the Dean of the Laguna Beach Artist Colony. Born in Illinois both of his parents died when he was nine years old. After having lived in Michigan he made the move to California after corresponding with young cousins whom he was very fond, The glowing accounts of the state  compelled him to relocate. He arrived in Los Angeles in 1904.

 A newspaper interview with Doss recalled his love for art even child, He couldn't recall a time when he wasn't without a bunch of brushes and paint in his hands. His first oil painting at the age of ten was of his favorite horse.

The artists obituary has recollections from early colony members of Doss and his many walks with colleague Frank Cuprien, The two often argued Art in loud and sometimes angry tones but always the two remained good friends. Another good friend and artist Roy Ropp studied with Doss and credited him  for his teaching him to paint. They both were associated with the Laguna Beach Country Club. Doss himself was essentially self taught, he stated that although he had some advise along the way he  mainly "Learned how to paint instead of being taught". 

Doss made annual trips to Portland, Oregon to visit his step Son  Alba Scherer  who lived on Garden Home Rd. They would go out on painting expeditions, and one painting titled: "Mt Hood" is inscribed "We picked out a location the day before, drove here before sunrise, got set and painted as the sun hit the mountain, A. Scherer". 

Doss also painted in Pasadena for years and was well known there. Known for his seascapes one was prominently displayed on the wall behind the Presidents desk at the Bank of America in Laguna Beach back in the fifties.

The artists  home and studio was at 337  Bluebird Canyon Dr. It was one of several cottages he had owned and built along Bluebird.

W. Galen Doss a Laguna Beach Artist  had crossed paths or was associated with many prominent Laguna California artists ~ Alice Fullerton, William Wendt, Julia Bracken Wendt, Frank Cuprien, William Griffith, Karl Yens, and Norman St Clair.