Among the items salvaged from my grandmother’s home post-hurricane was an oil & acrylic painting of magnolias. And I only had a small hand in its restoration. Here’s a recap of its history, condition, and restoration.
[Read the origin story of these heirloom restorations here: Heirloom Restoration]
before 
after
When I brought the painting home, I didn’t love it. It was in horrible condition. And very pink. But my grandmother Nonna loved it, so I was resigned to have it cleaned up and find a place for it in my home.
Mom with Nonna’s dear friend Jerry in February 1961 
Nonna was always great at writing on the backs of pictures, years later she continues to tell stories through her meticulous cataloging of things. Taped to the back was a typed inscription:
OCTOBER 1992 ELAINE BARRIOS CHENOWETH
THIS BEAUTIFUL MAGNOLIA PICTURE WAS HANDPAINTED BY MY COUSIN, NORMA LYONS JENNINGS, FROM VINTON, LOUISIANA, IN THE 1950’s. GIVEN TO ME BY MY PRECIOUS MOTHER AND DAD WHEN I WAS MARRIED TO BERNARD LEE CASH (BUNNY). WE WERE LIVING IN FORT WORTH, TEXAS. KELLY ELAINE CASH WAS BORN FEBRUARY 22, 1958. THEY LATER GAVE US FOUR HANDPAINTED PICTURES (TWO CAMELLIAS AND TWO IRISES) TO COMPLEMENT THIS PICTURE. KATE VALENTINE HENDERSON IS USING THESE IN HER SAN ANTONIO HOME AT THIS TIME.
Also written on the back in my grandmother’s handwriting:
May 1955
Mother & Dad Barrios gave to me/us for Bunny’s & my new home
5508 Dennis Ave. Ft. Worth, TX 76114
So the painting was done in 1953 by the same cousin/artist that did my precious Fanny painting. I never knew Norma but now have 2 of her paintings in my home. Read the story about the Schooner Fanny here: The Schooner Fanny 1885-1900
I had the painting restored by Maris Salmins at Life on the Wall here in Houston. In about a month, he cleaned up and restretched the canvas, and refinished the painting. He did a lovely job! I removed and tossed the original frame, which was too beat up and too small for the piece. I love how the pink is now a bit deeper and the white a bit brighter. A subtle but huge difference, simultaneously.
Maris recommended Warehouse Frames ‘n Gallery here in Houston for a new frame. This painting was not a standard size, so it needed a custom frame regardless. I brought the painting in and told long-time framer Gregg that I needed help picking out a new frame appropriate for the piece and my home. I showed him pictures of my living room, where I intended to hang the painting, and let him guide me in selecting a new frame. We selected a nice Italian moulding with a soft silver accent. The frame was finished in less than two weeks.
The painting is currently in our dining area near the Fanny. I love it and will cherish it always.
For more in the series, click here: Heirloom Restoration or follow the corresponding board on Pinterest.