A John McLean painting on paper, "The Artist and his Muse" painted in 1999. Comments from the artist, "The painting on paper may have the title on the back but I believe it is 'The Artist and His Muse.’. It is obviously important that the work be recognised as a painting, not print. As such it is a one-off work not one of a printed series and therefore of greater value than the same image produced in a printing process. The foreground figure is the artist holding brushes while the back figure is holding up his palette, which also provides the mask that prevents direct and tangible contact between the artist and muse; such is the nature of inspiration. The character of the muse is mixed and can on occasions conjure the archetype of the Trickster. The countenance of this character suggests that is the case in this instance." The painting is in good condition and is framed. However, there is a faint watermark on the cardboard inside the frame which can't be seen unless standing very very close to it. I have done my best to photograph it so you can see the mark. This painting (50% of the proceeds) has been kindly donated to my daughter who is raising funds to travel with a dance troupe to Los Angeles in September. https://www.givealittle.co.nz/cause/HelenaHarveytoLA

According to the artist the current value of this painting is $2,500-3000.