I think this existing frame takes some attention away from the art. I would go with a frame of "cleaner lines". I wouldn't necessarily say more modern but just simpler (not skinny).
My 2 cents (which in Canada are no longer in circulation ;)

You could definitely frame in a darker color, simpler design and not so thick. It would look more transitional and go in almost any room. I think she would want you to enjoy it. Just hang on to the frame in case you find another use for it. Very nice work.

So maybe just a simple black frame?

Terri, guess we will have to up it to our 5 cents worth eh? :)

Great idea Emma!!

I'm with Emma. Keep the ornate frame but spray paint matte/flat black. The ornate details match the impressionistic style of the painting so don't frame with a modern frame but to give more attention to the painting change frame color and sheen

HI -- I agree with Emma . It all depends on how sentimental you are to the frame -- which is probably what she put on her painting -- it was the style of that time after all . The real treasure is the painting so if you don't like this frame painted black , then reframe to the style of today and to what room it will hang . Great Grandmother would approve I'm sure . Does the painting need cleaning ? If so you could do it . Use Play Doh ,- that is what it was used for before it became a toy. Just use a small wad and gently roll over the painting in sections to lift the dirt . Use the white so you can see the dirt in the Doh

Your painting is great but you can really transform the look by adding a new frame. Take it to a frame shop and play around with different looks. I think a small flat wood frame in charcoal with some hints of silver might look stunning.

Here's the look I'm recommending....mouse over to get a better view of the frame

I would suggest you get a simpler, but still classic frame, like a dull gold with simpler molding, perhaps with string beading, I would take the old frame and have it fitted with mirror glass, maybe slightly antiqued glass, so you have a handsome mirror and a lovely picture in a less attention-grabbing frame. I have attached a few simpler frames. The black one with the fretwork is actually a painted piece, which can be had without the fancy scrollwork, known in framing circles as "sgraffito"

I agree with quatorze. The original frame is too brassy and overwhelming for the subject.

Ack!! So many choices!!! I have two other paintings, can't wait to try the cleaning with playdoh!!!!

Original frame...not valuable, try painting it black.

These are the others. Should all the frames match?

The frames shouldn't match. (In a previous lifetime, I was a somewhat successful painter). Don't modify what is a nice old frame on what is her best painting. Painting #3 in the grouping above is also rather good and in the same vein.
Put Spanish Moss in a hallway, where its fancy frame will not be viewed head-on in a major room. Make sure it is well lit, or use a picture light. Hang the two similar mountain landscapes together, as they make an interesting progression in style. The sunset picture, either a watercolor or a pastel?, has an unattractive oak frame, and you might want to change that frame out to something more like the other paintings. Hang that one in a less important place.

Thank you sstar. I just went to visit my grandmother in a different province. Her mother did these paintings, as well as about 30 others. She used to sell them to tourists that stopped at her rooming house. These are the only ones that fit in my suitcase. The larger ones are much nice, and more detailed. The smaller ones like I have are "ugly" according to my grandmother, but I kinda liked them :)

And yes, the sunset is a water color, not my favorite but I am sure I will find it a good home somewhere in the house

sstar93 has it right

1. Frames do not have to match, either in a house or in a room. If two frames are to hang near one another, and are roughly the same size and configuration and the images are similar, then similar or matching frames are better so they read as a unit of decoration.

2. I would have the sunset watercolor re-matted in an off white, with perhaps a gilt or colored bevel; the gold tone mat is stealing the image's thunder. The mat should be thick, what is known as a "Museum Mat" archival and double thickness, so the bevel is deeper and substantial. This may make it handsomer in your eyes. Take it to a framer and try it out before buying so you can see if you like it. The frame is a bit much for it, but painting or staining the oak frame a deeper warm brown may help it relate to the image itself and tone down the insistent oak grain.

3. The waterfall pictures themselves are very nice, very impressionistic and perhaps, even better than the "larger" ones, since the paint treatment is looser and more plein air/sketch-like. I would suggest perhaps a linen liner or mat to give the images breathing room from the frame, whatever frame you choose.

You should frame it canvas so it takes no emphasis of the picture. Like the attached image

Paint it a charcoal or black and distress it a bit. The paint should be satin or eggshell. Shiny will look cheap. Love the painting!

It's actually matte black, just looks shiny because of the window. How would I distress them? That's a whole new world to me :)

Wait a sec, are you talking about the frames or the cabinet?

Nice. I don't think you need to "distress" them, but if you want, just take some different color paint and rub it into crevices, wiping most off.

What is rest of your house. The frame is very ornate and gold. If that is your look keep as us. If not change to a frame to reflect your taste. Love the picture.

If your grandmother had a following or if they are actually collectible. The paintings are worth more with the original frame. Not that you would ever sell them but by the time they reach your grandchildren, they may not have the same attachments. Store the original frame intact and available with details on which paintings they go with.

I have some avacado green paint I could do that with, sound good? And thanks Travis, my house is such a mix of everything I couldn't even begin to describe it!

Margaret, I think the only people who followed her are my family! The original frames for the waterfall paintings were falling apart. I got these ones at a thrift shop for $5 so didn't think I could go wrong ;)

If that's the case. Keep as is. It's a treasure.

Thanks!

I thought we were talking about the frames. Antiquing the cabinet isn't needed, neither are frames. If you want to distress cabinet, the green would be nice. I would only leave paint in grooves; thinning the paint down first will make it easier to wipe on and off with lots of clean rags.

I was talking about the frames, but dabriscoe said paint it black... They are black! That's where I got confused :$ I will leave the frames as is then?

Hi Melanie, boy did that frame take me back, had a house full of them growing up in the 50's. The painting is wonderful and I too would reframe in a charcoal with maybe silver accents. I don't know how large the art is but if you wanted it larger you could use an extra large mat and have it maybe triple matted to go with various colours in the painting. It could be a real show stopper! If you are rounding up that's my 5 cents worth.

I can definitely do that! I haven't done anything yet with the Spanish Moss pic, it's next on the hit list :)

Oh... It's 9x12

Some more

Really love her artwork with the new frames. They look wonderful with the painting!