Forgotten Family – Part VI: The Painting

One of the highlights of my trip was a day in Oklahoma with Juanita and her family.  Juanita had become a special friend. She wrote often, sending stories about growing up in Texas and of her farm in Oklahoma.  A very talented artist, she wrote about her paintings, teaching art classes, and of taking art classes while working in San Diego during WWII. On my day in Oklahoma, I met Juanita’s younger siblings, her children, and some of her grandchildren. I took pictures of the side-by-side that once belonged to my grandmother and left with an oil painting of my grandmother; a gift from Juanita. This beautiful portrait of Myrtie Hairston Bryan hangs in my home and serves as a constant reminder of my once forgotten family. 

This a portrait of my grandmother in her wedding dress. I have two photographs 
of her wearing this dress. Scraps of the dress fabric, as well as the trim, 
were found in the family bible. A description of Myrtie's coloring was found on the 
back of an old photograph. Juanita used the photographs and fabric scraps to help 
with the portrait. The curtains in the background were similar to those in 
Juanita's home. She stated that she added the table and flowers for balance. 

Next - Forgotten Family - Part VII: The Unnamed

Diana

© 2011, copyright Diana Quinn