Justin McCarthy Untitled Landscape c. 1950s - 1960s collection Jim Linderman

In 1960, artist Sterling Strauser and his wife Dorothy were strolling a local festival and came upon McCarthy with his paintings strewn on the grass. By this time Justin had been drawing and painting 40 years consistently with virtually no sales or interest. He was living alone in the Weatherly, PA mansion he grew up in and allowed to deteriorate. His run down auto with animals and plants painted on it was nearby. The painting prices were high. Strauser later said McCarthy told him he never sold any so the prices might as well be high. I believe on their second meeting, they convinced Justin to sell three works reasonably priced. He had started painting in oil around this time…bold, colorful expressionistic masterpieces which Sterling couldn’t wait to frame. He shared the work with his many artist friends and began to represent him, becoming his friend, mentor and agent. After 40 yeqrs, the artist was discovered. From this point on, most of McCarthy’s work was oil on board, or the masonite Strauser supplied him. Untitled (landscape) Justin McCarthy c. 1950s to 1960s Collection Jim Linderman