A top tier California painter known for his landscapes and murals, Edgar Payne was born in Washburn, Missouri in 1883.

He received some training at the Chicago, Illinois Art Institute, but was essentially self-taught. in 1918, he established his home and studio in Laguna Beach, California. He and his wife Elsie Palmer Payne were very active in the local art circles, and exhibited works both nationally and internationally. He died in 1947.