An Original Painting By Terry Mccue

An original painting by Terry McCue—also seen as Terry Mccue in listings—sits at a dynamic intersection of contemporary Indigenous art, wildlife imagery, and bold, modern color sensibilities. For appraisers and collectors, the appeal is matched by the responsibility: understanding authorship, medium, condition, and cultural context are all essential to identifying and valuing the work correctly.

This guide walks you through the practical steps of researching, authenticating, and appraising an original painting by Terry McCue, with a focus on the details that matter to connoisseurs and insurers alike.

Understanding the Artist and Oeuvre

Terry McCue is a contemporary Indigenous (Anishinaabe/Ojibwe) artist from Canada, active from the late 20th century to the present. His paintings frequently feature wildlife—especially fish—rendered in stylized, flowing forms, with saturated color fields that create a sense of motion and spiritual presence. Many works balance flat planes of color with crisp edges and contours, achieving a graphic clarity that is instantly recognizable to seasoned viewers.

Recurring traits you may encounter:

• Subjects: fish (salmon, trout), birds (heron, loon), bears, and other North American wildlife; occasional mythic/spiritual themes rooted in Indigenous culture.
• Palette and composition: bold, contrasting colors; rhythmic linework; balanced but dynamic layouts; graphic silhouettes set against flat backgrounds.
• Medium: predominantly acrylic on canvas or panel, often with smooth to moderately textured surfaces.

Knowing these tendencies helps you place a piece within McCue’s body of work while remaining sensitive to variations. Like many artists, he may explore different series, subject shifts, and palette experiments over time. When assessing an unknown painting, consider how its aesthetic aligns with (or departs from) documented motifs.

Note on spelling: Listings may appear as “Terry McCue,” “Terry Mccue,” or occasionally “T. McCue.” When researching, try multiple variants to ensure comprehensive results.

Distinguishing an Original from a Reproduction

Appearing original and being original are different things. Reproductions—especially high-quality giclée prints on canvas—can mimic the look of paint. Use multiple tests:

• Surface texture:
  • Originals in acrylic will show brushwork, subtle ridges at color boundaries, or minute irregularities where paint meets the ground.
  • Giclée prints often have a uniform dot pattern visible under magnification; any “texture” may be an embossed canvas pattern rather than true paint relief.
• Edge and wrap:
  • Check canvas edges and the tacking margins. Brush marks sometimes continue around the sides on originals; prints on canvas may have mechanically mirrored edges.
• Signature:
  • Originals typically carry a hand-painted signature. On giclée prints, the signature can be mechanically printed. Compare the signature under a loupe; printed signatures sit flat and dot-patterned, while hand-applied paint stands proud and may show micro-variations in opacity.
• Underlayers and corrections:
  • Look for pentimenti (minor changes), pencil underdrawing, or errant strokes—clues pointing to a hand-painted original.
• Reverse side:
  • Original works often feature hand-written titles, dates, and media notes on the stretcher or canvas reverse. Reproductions may have barcoded labels, edition numbers, or publisher information.
• Paper vs. canvas:
  • If on paper, ensure pigments sit within the fibers. Limited editions on paper will clearly note edition fraction (e.g., 12/100). Originals on paper are typically unique and titled/signed by hand.

If you’re uncertain, consider non-invasive examination with a blacklight (UV). Repairs and overpainting show up differently from original acrylic layers, while printed inks on giclée may fluoresce in distinctive ways.

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Labels

Signatures and inscriptions can meaningfully affect value and attribution confidence.

• Signature forms:
  • Common variants include “Terry McCue,” “T. McCue,” and occasionally stylized initials. Placement is frequently lower right but can vary.
• Dating and titling:
  • Titles may be hand-written on the reverse, sometimes accompanied by a date and medium designation (e.g., “acrylic on canvas”).
• Gallery labels:
  • Look for labels from reputable galleries or institutions known to present contemporary Indigenous Canadian artists. A label can anchor provenance and provide a reference point for earlier sales or exhibitions.
• Inventory numbers:
  • Some works may bear studio or gallery inventory numbers. Record these carefully; they can be vital when reconstructing provenance.

Caution: Signatures alone can be forged. Always correlate signature style with known examples, and ensure the painting’s handling, materials, and subject matter align with McCue’s established practice.

Materials, Technique, and Condition

McCue’s paintings are often acrylic on canvas or panel, a material choice that influences both longevity and conservation needs.

• Acrylic paint:
  • Advantages: flexible film, fast drying, generally stable.
  • Vulnerabilities: sensitive to heat and dust; soft surfaces can attract grime; matte areas can burnish if rubbed.
• Supports:
  • Canvas: watch for slackness due to humidity swings. Keys in the stretcher corners may allow gentle tightening; severely sagging canvases require a professional.
  • Panel: check for warping, edge dings, or pressure marks.
• Common condition issues:
  • Scuffs or abrasions on flat color fields can be conspicuous.
  • Craquelure is less common in acrylic than oil but can occur with harsh environmental changes or incompatible layering.
  • Surface soiling: nicotine, kitchen grease, or dust can dull colors; avoid DIY cleaning with solvents or household products.
• Varnish:
  • Acrylic paintings may be finished with a protective varnish or remain unvarnished. Improper varnishes can discolor; assessment by a conservator is recommended before any removal.

A thorough condition report should cover the support (canvas/panel), ground layer, paint layer (including gloss variations), edges, reverse, and framing. Photographic documentation in raking and normal light supports appraisal and insurance.

Market Context and Valuation Factors

Valuing an original painting by Terry McCue requires triangulating comparables, subject significance, size, date, and condition. Consider these elements:

• Subject:
  • Iconic wildlife images—especially fish rendered in striking, rhythmic forms—tend to resonate strongly with collectors of Indigenous and wildlife art.
• Scale:
  • Larger, statement pieces typically achieve higher prices, provided condition and composition quality are strong.
• Series and period:
  • Works linked to notable exhibitions or recognized series can carry a premium.
• Provenance:
  • Clear ownership history from creation to present—especially via respected galleries or institutions—boosts buyer confidence.
• Condition and presentation:
  • A clean, professionally framed painting in original or period-appropriate framing is easier to place and often commands stronger bids.
• Rarity and demand:
  • Unique compositions, exemplary color harmonies, or uncommon subjects can draw competition.

Pricing expectations are best grounded in current data. Appraisers often:

• Compile recent sales of McCue’s works with similar size, subject, and date.
• Adjust for condition, medium, and provenance.
• Cross-check with prices of closely comparable contemporary Indigenous Canadian artists when direct comparables are thin.

Be mindful that regional markets can differ. A painting may achieve one level in a Canadian sale and a different outcome in broader North American venues. For insurance, consider retail replacement value (what it would cost to purchase a like-for-like painting from a gallery), which is usually higher than auction hammer prices.

Provenance, Ethics, and Cultural Context

Indigenous artworks are not just commodities; they carry cultural narratives that deserve respect. This matters in appraisal and collecting:

• Provenance due diligence:
  • Seek a clear chain of custody. Record bills of sale, exhibition checklists, gallery invoices, and correspondence. Stable, transparent provenance supports value and ethical collecting.
• Cultural sensitivity:
  • Be mindful of subject matter with ceremonial or spiritual significance. Works that reference specific traditions should be handled and described respectfully and accurately.
• Community and artist support:
  • Documentation from Indigenous-run galleries or organizations can add depth to provenance and affirm responsible acquisition pathways.

When publishing or exhibiting, use the artist’s preferred name spelling and accurate tribal affiliation when known. Accurate attribution is not only ethical—it also strengthens the asset’s market standing.

A Practical Checklist for Appraising a Terry McCue Original

• Confirm medium: acrylic on canvas or panel is typical; note any deviations.
• Inspect surface under magnification for brushwork vs. print dots.
• Check the reverse for inscriptions, title, date, medium, and gallery labels.
• Document the signature style and placement; compare to known variants.
• Measure the work (image and frame) and record support and stretcher details.
• Photograph front, details, reverse, and raking light for gloss/texture.
• Assess condition: paint stability, surface soiling, abrasions, canvas tension, and frame integrity.
• Compile provenance: invoices, exhibition history, prior appraisals, and correspondence.
• Identify comparables: similar size/subject/date sales and current gallery offerings.
• Determine the appropriate value premise: auction fair market vs. retail replacement.
• Note cultural context accurately and use respectful, specific language in reports.
• If uncertain, seek a qualified conservator’s condition assessment and an appraiser experienced in Indigenous Canadian art.

FAQ

Q: How can I be sure a painting is an original and not a giclée? A: Examine the surface under magnification. Originals show brushwork and varied paint thickness; giclées display a uniform dot pattern. Check the reverse for hand-written inscriptions and compare the signature to known hand-painted examples. If still unsure, consult a conservator or qualified appraiser.

Q: What does Terry McCue’s signature look like? A: Variants include “Terry McCue,” “T. McCue,” and sometimes a stylized form. Placement is often lower right. Signature styles can evolve, so correlate with other features—materials, subject, and provenance—rather than relying solely on the autograph.

Q: Does a gallery label significantly affect value? A: Yes. A label from a reputable gallery or institution strengthens provenance and market confidence. Labels, inventory numbers, and exhibition stickers on the reverse can substantiate history and influence price.

Q: How should I clean an acrylic painting by McCue? A: Avoid household cleaners and solvents. Light dusting with a soft, clean microfiber cloth is generally safe for unvarnished acrylic, but stop if you see color transfer or resistance. For soiling, consult a professional conservator to prevent damage.

Q: What’s the best way to insure my painting? A: Obtain a written appraisal specifying retail replacement value, including images, measurements, condition notes, and provenance. Update the appraisal periodically to reflect market changes and ensure adequate coverage.

An original painting by Terry McCue rewards close looking. For the collector or appraiser, the most reliable path to understanding and valuation is a grounded one: careful visual examination, thorough documentation, contextual research, and respect for the cultural lineage informing the work.