I gotta say: I'm happy when he finds a painting that had been previously done that was actually handled with care by the previous restorer. Maybe not to 21st century standards, but certainly with professionalism and care.
I was going to say something similar. We often see former 'conservators' that are basically hacks that ruin paintings either with 'cleaning' or 'touch ups', or simply painting that were never maintained. This just seems like a maintenance restoration of something that was due...
@@tiwantiwaabibiman2603 Depending on what the damage to the original painting was, the limitations of materials and technology at that time and most importantly, the possible inability of the owner to pay for a very extensive restoration, that might not have been an amateur decision at all.
I know nobody is probably going to read this but I just wanna say, these videos mean a lot to me ❤. It might sound silly but when I’m sick or just not feeling well these videos really help. Never stop you’re incredible!
Me too. I read your comment and concur. Julian imparts a deep, quiet excellence in his work - wonderfully comforting. What a gift on days that are a little too hard. Never stop, Julian. & Thanks.
i have debilitating anxiety and these help me get to sleep so many times, i love watching them awake as well of course but they’re really good at helping calm me down, im writing this at 3am insomnia time.. wish me luck friends 💜
Julian, I’m torn. On the one hand, I love being able to see the whole process in one video, which is aided by the fast-forward sections. On the other hand, your process is so relaxing that I could watch it in real time with equal pleasure. Yes, even the scraping! I don’t think you need worry about any of us being bored by any part of the process. Thank you for letting us peer over your shoulder as you work. 🎨 💕
At 24:34 you can see the length of the original beard he uses when retouching. I didn't notice it either until the end reveal and had to go back to figure it out.
I never get tired of watching the varnish come off- sickly green skin turns pink, browned lace turned white, mottled dark backgrounds reveal beautiful blue, green, and brown tones
I have a silly confession…. I always begin to watch him work while taking my morning vitamins. It usually takes me 5 minutes. But on those days I’m watching him bring a painting to life, I often realize I still have my first vitamin still in my hand, 30 minutes later when he’s finished. lol 🤗 I just get mesmerized!🤗🐝❤️
While this person passed away many years ago. Conserving his portrait brings him back to life and reminds us that this person lived hopefully a full life. Who had a family and friends. It makes his life real, not just a story. Seeing portraits reminds me of who came before.
I'm wondering about the sort of thready brushstrokes used on the beard, is that a technique from the period? I've never seen Baumgartner do that style before
Julian, it doesn't matter how many times I watch you restore a painting. Every time, I am completely blown away at the amount of work you patiently put in and the incredible precision of everything you do. Just amazing.
I’ve started showing these videos to my baby and he just loved them. He watches with huge eyes and then usually goes to sleep lol. Highly recommend for any other newborn parents out there.
I was just in Canada at a lovely old hotel in Banff, and saw some paintings, and my first thought was how Julian would restore them. They have a lot of old varnish and smoke dirt from fireplaces. Honestly, watching these videos makes me see fine art in a completely different way. Thank you, Julian Baumgartner!
I did not grow up in a household where education was explained much less encouraged. After watching your channel for many months now, I find myself enchanted watching your skill as you restore beauty. If only I had known about conservation, my life would have been so very different. Thank you for allowing us to follow with you.
Every time I see such care and mastery in restoring these works of art back to their original glory and beauty it brings a tear to my eye. Because of people like Baumgartner another generation can appreciate the beauty and history that would otherwise be lost. This is one of my favorite channels and I always look forward to the next time I can watch this master at work. ❤️
With all my respect I am an art historian this portrait it’s not Dutch. It is Spanish painter remember Low country was Spanish territory. What he wears it’s called Gola. This portrait looks a Spaniard. The way that Dutch painters paint it’s very different style. This is more Italian style.Theres a Spanish painter Coello it looks like his style.
Having had many paintings handled by a conservator for myself, I've learned so much more about what actually goes on in the conservation process through Julian's videos. Now, when I take paintings to my conservator, I can have a much more intelligent conversation about the conservation needs of a painting and ask better questions. Julian's videos have also helped me when considering whether to purchase a painting or not, based on its condition. Thanks, Julian!
Julian, I look forward to watching your videos each week. I love the magic when the old varnish and grime are removed and we get to see the painting as the artist intended! Can't wait to see how you fix that effed up frame! You are the best!
Yeah it's you, I do look forward to see that you have a new blog out. Thank You for saving that gentlemen for a another 100 years.😊 You put the gleam back in his eyes.
As you're painting his face, I realize he's getting a makeover and with most makeovers he looks soooo much better! 👍. Too bad sunspots and blemishes on actual flesh is not so easily repaired! 💕🌞🌵😷
The cleaning is always a treat as we get to see the parts of the painting that have been diffused under varnish, dirt and grime for years. I was surprised at all the really small spots of paint loss, but Julian and his magic pfaint brush soon made things so much better. As an aside, I try to imagine what it must feel like to wear a ruff, and I can only think that it must have been irritating, have you ever worn a ruff, what was it like ? Great post as always looking forward to the frame restoration.
The restoration is spectacular. Did you ever have the feeling that this fellow could be like an old Dutch you? Similarities... Also, your choice of the Schubert is perfection. Whoever the pianist is, has rendered it in all its splendour. Thank you for this share.💐
I appreciate all of the details he explains in this video. Letting us know exactly why he does each step. It could be used as a training film for interns in his shop.
something about seeing the dedication and artistry through each of these videos, inspires me. Having these videos on in the background while I sew is relaxing and entertaining! Love all of this work!!
This is my new favorite porttrait that you have worked on Julian. The look in the sitter's eyes is so knowing, like he is peering into my soul. The artist (and you, of course) did a fine job indeed. Thank you for bringing more art into my life that I would never get to experience otherwise. You're a mensch.
Marvelous ! ❤❤❤ Love it !!! Really, really excellent work done with highly sensitivity & knowledge 😊 I am deeply impressed about your great skills. & I am a painter with a lot of experience in painting portraits too...really well done !!! The face is living again & tells us so much more than the old overpainted version... thanks so much !!!
Always look forward to your videos. His goatee looked at close up resembled a forest of burned trees. You are very talented in bring the tired and sometimes abused paintings alive again.. I am sure the artist who did the paintings would be grateful and in awe.
I really enjoyed this video; seeing the skimming on paintings get fixed always makes the biggest difference to me, cause even with big tears; what's missing almost becomes a plain mystery, but with skimming it's like seeing it through a net; it'a clearly visable, but it's just made worse by what's in front.
Ok I am SUPER impressed with that corner cutting. I've had to do similar things (I'm a graphic designer who started out in the 80s) and it's SO hard and yours looks almost machine cut to fit perfectly!
Watching you restore all these battered pictures is both soothing and satisfying. My favourite will remain the torn portrait of the boy. There is something extremely emotional about it. ♥️
Thank you so much for showing your work. As a songwriter and musician, i know how hard it can be to put yourself out there, and i can say, it is beautiful Thank you
Oh, what a delight it is to watch these videos! The tranquility, the serenity, and the sheer pleasure of witnessing the painting truly come back to life are simply captivating. Furthermore, the gentleman in the painting possesses a distinguished appearance. I would be honored to have the opportunity to spend time with someone of such refined demeanor 😍
This was pretty amazing, great work (as always). I can see this same video being made to one of your restorations in the future by the next generation of restorers, to a painting you have restored. From your explanation it appears the previous restorer was not only a highly skilled expert, but innovative for their time. I hope (and expect) they will have praise for your conservation work, and with future innovations will be able to say 'but we can do better'. Keeping artworks of human history conserved and preserved for future generations is important, even if it's not attributed to a 'master'. Great work
I don't remember if I've said this before, but it doesn't hurt to say it again. I love seeing these videos. I absolutely love art and seeing it taken care of so beautifully and neatly is so cool. I've seen the process hundreds of times from you, but I still love watching the full video haha I just love seeing the process. It's something that probably feels mundane to you in your career, but it's just really neat to see and brings me a lot of joy. And also I hope Kit knows how awesome she is and how much we ADORE her, she's so nice and funny and sweet and so hungry for knowledge, I seriously always get so happy when she makes an appearance.
I was recently watching a tour of an English castle, and when I saw all the portraits on the wall that were almost black from the huge fireplace below them, I thought, 'They should send them to Julian - he'll bring them back from the dark!' I love watching the old portraits with the white ruffs losing the grime and old varnish. It's like it gets a good bleaching in the wash!
One of the sweetest joys in life I know, is when I'm watching Mr. Baumgartner as he releases his art works, having been so long held captive under old brown/yellow varnish.
I’ve been working hard on my art, having a feeling of perfectionism because I’m going to university for art. This has made me very frustrated and disconnected from art. This is really helping. Thank you :)
Oh Julian, I have three things to say: 1) LOVED this video; as always, you've done another amazing restoration! 2) Enjoyed seeing the little legs of the kiddos in the background. 3) Finally, I now know where all of my coffee filters have gone - that ruff is spectacular.
