Born in Hopewell, New Jersey in 1906, painter, illustrator and teacher Robert John McClelland studied at Fliesman School of Art, Newark Industrial School of Art, Pratt Institute and the Art Students League where he became a life member. McClelland also studied under artists John L. Carlson, Frank Linton, Paul Remmey and Harry Leith-Ross.

McClelland exhibited at the National Academy of Design and throughout New Jersey. In addition to his painting, McClelland did restoration, and was a re-touch artist for magazines and newspapers. From 1947 to 1952, he was a fine arts instructor and owner of the New Hope School of Art in New Hope, Pennsylvania and was also an instructor at the New York School of Crafts and Printing.