McLean works in a pseudo Surrealist style.

His paintings operate on two levels.

On one level they are literal narratives, and on a second level they have layered, symbolic associations that can be open to interpretation by the viewer.

Originally from Tauranga, McLean attended Tauranga Boys' College where he was taught art by Edward Bullmore.

Bullmore was one of New Zealand's earliest Surrealist artists.

McLean works as a full-time artist from his home in remote Urenui, Taranaki where the rich landscape plays an important role in his work.