On my Christmas vacation we visited several museums. The whole time I was like: "Hmmm yesss... see this canvas is distorted. You can see it through the raking light. Over here this painting needs cleaned and revarnished. Clearly it has browned with age."
this summer, I was in the Alte Pinakothek with my grandmother, who used to give tours there, and the most interesting things were not the art pieces themselves but what was wrong with them. there was this one room with many giant paintings, towering things- and I could see horribly cracked paint on all of them, and also telegraphed cross supports whose edges showed through in the cracks. There were also multiple pieces whose varnish had browned, and I could tell the original must have been so bright. It amazed me that my grandmother was completely oblivious to those issues despite having an intense interest in art, and being a former tour guide.
Can't agree more. Now, every time i'm at an exhibition or a museum i can't but see the old varnish and distorted canvas and cracks, especially with works of old masters. It makes me think how different the masterpieces could look like if conserved properly
@@comradewindowsill4253 Well, she had never seen them any other way, so it felt natural to her, just as it feels natural for us who watch Julian's videos find it natural to look for those problems. :)
I do this too! Was watching a video about ancient cave paintings and was thinking how much easier it would be to see the original art if only they could receive a Baumy Restoration.
I just wanted to point out how nice it is of Julian to always explain the techniques he is using as if it's the first time he is showing them. And also doing it without sounding bored or annoyed or even a word-by-word scripted explanation the he just recites in all videos. There are always some different points here and there that make it confortable for long-time viewers, and very informative for new ones! You're the best :)
Yeah, it's the best! I watch a lot of art RU-vidrs and some that make stuff physically. I always love it when art people explain every time, what they're doing- if you're a long time fan, it can get a bit repetitive But I've seen so many videos, where the person will say "I talked about this in [x] video"
@@DonnyHooterHoot Whether he makes videos or not, he probbaly gets a lot of money in this profession anyways, the videos are just a realy nice added bonus, so might as well do them well.
You're right! I hadn't realised until you pointed it out. I have watched a good few videos recently and not once have I thought the narration was repetitive, just interesting and calming and flowing. Thank you for helping me to see....
This video has it all: philosophical musings, planar distortions, impasto, shoddy lining, Julian hating on staples and being shady to framers... Brilliant start to the year 😂🔥
I'm a simple person. I see a new video from Julian, I click and immediately "Like" it. This painting was beautiful when it came in, and gorgeous when it left. Julian, you did an amazing job.
Yep. Me too. Completely safe bet, Julian has never made a video yet that I haven’t found fascinating, educational and totally absorbing. The Like is a given.
Me too. Love Julian's vids, well made, informative interesting, yes and entertaining. Always like as soon as one pops up, whether I watch it then or later on. Wonderful work 👏 ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Me too. Every Tuesday morning here in Australia, I check if there is a new video and if there is, I click it, like it and watch the artwork come to life
Things only Julian fans know rule - Hot Tables, Washi kozo, Mylar film, reusing orginal stretcher and keys, cleaning face reveals, bridging never patching, spitting tacks, magical paint matching, the final varnish
I was taught to glue paper on the backs. Now that I only frame for myself and can't be bothered, I occasionally get a twinge of guilt. Thanks to Julian, I can tell that twinge to go take a hike. :)
Yeah, I've always found that paper layer to be such a nuisance when trying to reframe existing pieces, or reuse surplus frames from old stuff, but I'd always assumed it was done for some reason of stabilization or protection? 🤔 Really appreciate it not being so commonplace today!
my favorite thing about this channel is you saying "i dont really care, i like the way it looks, this is my studio and it's important to me". thats good vibes.
@@Bobrogers99 Yeah, he seems very good at spotting which paintings will have something different in the restoration process to keep things fresh and interesting.
I'm always impressed that Julian is able to re-explain things like the bridging technique so many times without sounding blasé or making it tedious? That's an impressive storytelling skill, & really helps make sure his content remains accessible for any new-arriving audience members.
…and the therapist says, actually, at least here we are perfectly sure about what we are doing and it works. And if it doesn’t, we take it apart and start all over again. 😎😇
As a Swede, laying in my bed, listening to Julian’s calming voice, I thought for a second that I had a stroke when I suddenly heard Julian speaking Swedish. The shock of my life, and it made my day.
At 15:17 you say something very similar to what I've always worked by in my life. My version used to be 'If I can't do something right, I won't do it at all', but a while ago I decided to change it. Now I say 'If I can't do something right, I'll wait until I can do it right'. That made me feel a lot better about what I could and couldn't do, instead of giving up on something entirely, I just postpone doing it until I have the confidence, knowledge, and skill to do it right.
I recently saw a quote that went something like this "think of all the talents you could have if you just allowed yourself to be a beginner" and I like that, because you can never become good at something if you don't practice
I love your multi-episode videos bacause there's so much detail....and a good deal of suspense! But you know, sometimes I come home at the end of a stressful day and see a video like this and I jump for joy. The therapeutic value of a Baumgartner video project unfolding from start to finish all in one bite is beyond words. Thank you once again, Julian. You made a crappy day melt away in minutes.
I love watching this channel as an artist because we don’t often talk about the structural support and conservation of our own work. most artists who can afford it outsource this part, but I’d rather know how to do it myself well because I feel like it’s an important part of my creation process.. and I’m a bit of a control freak. I’ve picked up other tips too, like the way Julian patches holes in canvas has helped me up my collage game a lot. plus, I like the periodic reminder that there is no need to rush, good work takes time and that’s okay.
True! Because of watching these videos I switched from staples to tacks, Cleanly finish the back and edges of my pieces, make sure to put an extra thick layer of gesso on, and use good quality varnish and materials, making sure everything is archival. I was even able to patch a hole in one of my own canvasses and have it almost perfectly camouflaged. Stuff like this can extend the life of your paintings by several decades.
I have seen mouldy paper documents and even photo negatives, but never a painting! Thank-you for continuously finding new and interesting things to show your audience.
It's really exciting to see new tools of the trade, like the rehumidification tent here! (Even though their introduction means the piece has additional unusual problems needing resolution, alas... 🙈)
Your channel is one of the few where I do not tire of your explanations of what you do. For me, it is part of the pace and flow of the episode. But I am also aware that new viewers would have no idea what and why you do something unless you were to explain it. So, thank you, for re-explaining with so much patience.
Hearing Julian and Kit speaking Swedish? My native language? I didn't think that would bring me the amount of joy that it actually did! 😁 I needed that in my life ❤
It’s always a little sad to see such a gorgeous painting in such poor condition, but seeing Julian’s work and artistry restoring these paintings gives me so much joy. I feel like art conservators are probably not known or appreciated by most people who aren’t involved in the art field. It’s so beautiful to see this incredible and vital work being done while most people probably don’t know about it or don’t appreciate it.
One of the things that gives me so much pleasure in these is the fact that Julian treats the language with the same respect with which he treats the paintings. So many otherwise enjoyable videos are spoilt by the narration. Thanks Julian - it's a pleasure to listen to you.
Love hearing the conversations with Kit. So much better. A great progression forward. So many other channels just do the same old same old for ever. This is such a good move forward.
Painting repair imo is one of the few trades where you can clearly see the progress in the trade itself. Every painting that is done will be done again. And each time it will be done better. This video is a great example of this.
I think it looked very different after restoration; the colors were much brighter and getting rid of the ripples made it easier to feel like you're standing in the painting, looking deep into the autumn forest. Looks so much like the forest in Michigan, where I grew up.
Although it's not a major part of the restoration, I do find the vacuum of the painting on the Hot Table, to be oddly satisfying. Wonderful restoration! I love the way the damaged areas disappear with the retouching.
I am a retired art teacher (and art history) . I shared many of your videos with my students. Now I just watch for my own curiousity! You are so talented.
It's amazing what you can fix. I used to think that when a painting is damaged, that's it. It's a done deal but I'm always in awe of how a painting can be restored. It's really amazing!
I just want to say that I absolutely love this channel. If I can be honest, art isn't something I'm obsessed with, but ever since coming across this channel, it's really opened up my eyes and given me a new perspective. Julian, you are so well spoken, I could watch these videos for hours on end due to your professionalism and teaching. Truly a great a channel.
I know opinions will vary on this, but I like these all-in-one videos. The 3-4-5 part ones are still good (the amount of work and craftsmanship is incredible!), but there’s something so satisfying about seeing the whole journey.
It's 2023 and I should have learned by now how to sniff out and quickly dodge Julian's surprise ad attack 😂 Even came with a skit with Kit. A true master 😂
I don't think I've ever been more fascinated by one of Julian's restorations than I have been by this one. The mold removal and canvas repair were very satisfying to watch.
Dear Mr. Baumgartner. 👍👌👏 Simply fantastic again and as always. Extremely well done again and as always (video and work). I like your solo videos much more than having a second person on the set. Thanks a lot for making teaching explaining recording editing uploading and sharing. Best regards luck and health in particular.
I barely even realised this was a painting of a forest in the beginning because I was so distracted by the issues. What an incredible difference such small changes can make. This painting is absolutely fabulous.
Thank You Julian, Thank You Kit.... My Monday mornings revolve around your show (& coffee). What a wonderful way to start my week. I was able to see 2 of my "Waldo's" in action & I LOVE watching them work!!! Julian I could listen to you explain the exact same process over & over & NEVER loose interest. I watch you work & try to imagine your movements are my movements and yes it does register in my peanut brain and yes It does influence my positive work ethic!!!.... TM
Dear Julian, I discovered your channel about one month ago and have emersed myself in the mastery of your art (and high grade videography too). It is so soothing to watch your process (I never get tired of watching you retack the newly lined canvas to the frame) and your sublte sense of humor adds just the right amount of joy, too. Thank you.
I never get tired of watching these processes and listening to your explanations of techniques. Plus your voice is soothing. It is amazing just what all things go into the restoration and preservation of paintings and what things you can use to help - like a greenhouse and humidifier!
I had delayed watching on regular RU-vid because I'd already watched on Patreon and other videos awaited. After watching the Babbel ad, I wish I'd watched sooner. Kit, that was just awesome. Thank you Julian for bringing her on board. And thanks for this beautiful restoration.
Hej from Sweden! Fun to see you work on a swedish painting and try to speak swedish😁. Haven't heard of the painter, so now I'll have to Google him. Great video as usual.
No matter how many of Julian's videos I watch, I never tire of them and his work dedication is inspirational. Keep up the fantastic work. All the best to you and Kit.
I could just listen to you narrate for hours. I love watching your transformation processes but often I find myself just closing my eyes and listening to the tone of your voice. Love your work and commitment to the craft.
This painting is absolutely beautiful!!!!! Im from West Virginia and this painting felt like home. That painting made me feel calm, peaceful. I did get a little teary eyed.
It gives me such a thrill to (even after watching for years) see new problems that paintings can experience and the ingenious methods for correcting them. The variety of tools and techniques at Julian's disposal are fascinating, I envy his job so much!
Even without a dramatic final transformation, just knowing that a painting this pleasant will live on that much longer, the elegance of each repair, the tedious dedication, care and love, its all so refreshing. Thanks for sharing as always.
Was literally just thinking, Oh, I'll have an ol' reliable Baumgartner video in the background while reading fanfic, so it'll lull me to sleep Then I see this, and thought, Ooh, forget sleep I'll still be reading fanfic though
in my conservation work on centuries-old books and paper, I often run into botched restorations so I feel you bud! people sometimes don't get their book back for months stuff can get frustrating and instead of keeping going I lay the project aside and this helps me eventually to solve the problems I'm facing I want perfection not a rushed job in the end I feel better and the customer feels better. also, rate p-hour payment forget it a book restoration is expensive enough.
Jag "slösar" aldrig bort dom med att titta på mobilen, jag sparar dom tills jag har kommit hem och blivit klar med middag etc. Då sätter jag mig i soffan med en kopp te och tittar i lugn och ro på tv:n så att jag får en stor bild och kan se konsten ordentligt.
I did that too! I watched a previous video at speed x1.25 because the narrator was speaking slowly, and thought I forgot to switch it back to normal for Julian. Nope. Julian was just talking faster than usual in this video.
I love your video’s for a few reasons, watching you repair the painting so it looks like it should, your teaching and caring about the artwork and finally your voice is so calming and just a joy to listen and relax! Thank you for uploading your videos they are a highlight in a varied world we live in at the moment.
22:20 I had to fill in drill holes in a wall so we could overpaint it, I remembered your videos and I took a piece of broken off wall plaster and used that to mimic the texture of the wall. Unexpected things learnt here :-D
I recently watched another ‘conservator’ with a painting. It was then I had become an apprentice to Julian. As they ‘cleaned’ the painting with saliva (yes that is what I said) I nearly lost my lunch. When they kept referring to Japanese tissue paper I was loudly saying ‘washi’, I screamed ‘no’ at the staples and felt weak. But when they POURED varnish in the middle of the painting and let it run over it I believe I blacked out.
I've had the same reactions watching other "restoration professionals". There was one team in NY, I swear the whole studio was like 30'x50'! The 'head' guy actually sat at a hugely cluttered desk and just moved the canvas around a small clearing on it. Like you, I just about passed out watching that! No professionalism whatsoever!
I saw this video two days after it came on. I’ve been depressed this last week, just wanting to hide under the covers. However now comes my favorite soothing and upbeat RU-vid! Sigh! It was so short! Back to rewatching shows from two years ago😢 (🥹🥹)🥹👵🏻
This was amazing to watch. Fires are devastating. We had a fire when I was young. It was astonishing to see what was in utter ruin and what survived. I found a plastic goat and most of my ceramic play tea set amongst the rubble and saved it.
Crazy that i was just thinking today i haven't watched anything of yours in a few weeks, so i went to watch some old videos and realized you uploaded half an hour ago, nice
When you bridged the hole in the back of the canvas there was still a significant gap missing there, which you later just applied a filler to(seems like the filler at that spot had no canvas to attach to). Was it done intentionally? Why didn't you matched a piece of canvas as always?
Julian, To me, that painting looks like it was cut down at some point. I can't think of another reason the painting would continue perfectly onto what is now the tacking edge. It is not uncommon to get paint on the edges of the canvas. But the paint on the tacking edges is not just accidental brush hits. Do you think it might have been done to replace a bad tacking edge? It might have been cut out of a frame at one point to possibly steal it, but that is most likely just my imagination running wild.
My grandfather was a sign painter who learned to paint from the American WPA from the 1920s. I do not have his talent, but Julien has given lots of great perspectives on craft and art. Your videos are awesome! I can’t imagine how challenging the color matching was for this piece!
