John McLean painting
Before retired engineer John McLean died in May 2022 at the age of 88, he allowed his numerous watercolor paintings of bucolic scenes he had done as a hobby in recent decades to be auctioned off. The proceeds had gone to the Centenary youth outreach program at First-Centenary United Methodist Church, where he was a member.
Since his death, his wife, Venita, has decided to allow several of his other paintings stored at their Trenton, Ga., area home to be auctioned off as well. But this time, proceeds will go to support Camp Lookout, a United Methodist-run camp on Lookout Mountain with which First-Centenary has been affiliated and helped support since it opened in 1959.
The silent and online auction will take place from April 23 at 8 a.m. through May 7 at 2 p.m.
Raised in Northern Ireland before moving to the United States in 1962, Mr. McLean was mostly a self-taught artist but studied under Jim and Carolyn Wright in Chattanooga. He was a member of In-Town Gallery for 12 years and was involved in various watercolor societies and exhibited in various juried shows.
Of his art, he once said, “In my paintings I want to convey my emotional response (interest, peace and calm) that scenes from God’s beautiful Earth evoke in me.”
Auction officials say the art will be displayed in the Cloister of First-Centenary United Methodist Church at 419 McCallie Ave. and shown online at firstcentenary.com/johnmcleanartshow.
In-person viewing and silent bidding will take place on Sundays, April 23, April 30, and May 7, from noon to 2 p.m.; Mondays, April 24 and May 1, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Wednesdays, April 26 and May 3, from 4 to 7 p.m.; and Saturdays, April 29 and May 6, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Prospective buyers can bid in person via the bid sheets or online. The winning bids will be announced on May 8, and payment and pickup will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 9 and 10.
Bidders can also buy the paintings outright at the “Buy Now Price” listed before the auction closes.
Those with questions can call or text (423) 605-5181 or (423) 280-5848. The bid system’s number is (865) 299-0007.