The Maverick 

i had to stretch a blank canvas with staples the other day and i could feel the ghost of julians disapproval the whole time

Julian’s skepticism about vacuum cleaning give me a nostalgic feeling of sort, it’s like my granma is here again with me to tell me how little she trusts microwave ovens and dishwashers

The process of making the PVA gel was actually very interesting. I wonder if there are other cleaning agents that do similar things!

I like the recent uptick of human interactions Julian has been showing us. A backstory adds more depth to the project.

Julian's before and after shots are always amazing but I really liked this one haha! Imagine if that was all it took to conserve a painting. The conservator walks by and their presence is enough to spontaneously fix everything

I really love that your customers are being in your vlogs. It adds so much to your vlog. I love to see how their eyes and whole demeanor light up as you explain the process of the conservation to them and the reveal. They add a level of information that you sometimes do not get to include. Such as what drew them to the piece in the first place.

I missed Julian spitting out tacks like those old looney tunes cartoons ☺️

The conversation with the owner was so heartwarming. I love to see people excited for abstract paintings, and this one is really beautiful. Museum worthy indeed!

Wishing I could submit my life to Julian for restoration; I'm a 50s work, too, and wasn't sure I was salvageable until seeing this video.

When you did the comparison between what condition the painting arrived in and what condition it was in once you had completed your work I let out an audible "Oh Wow!". This painting has given me a new appreciation for modern art, there is just something so striking about the scale and the colours

seeing Julian talk to the gallery owner made me realize just how charming he is

Amazing how much more vibrant the whites and colors were at the end, it looked almost fluorescent!

I love that Tom was friends with the artist. 💖 Carrying on her legacy.

I can't lie, abstract is seldom a favorite of mine. What I did love about this though was learning more about the artist, the intention of Tom to have it placed in a museum where it can be seen and as always, your approach to the restoration and conservation of this piece. I am always amazed by your process. The care and attention to every aspect is just spectacular. Thank you for continuing to broaden my education on art of all kinds.

The client's dedication to Mary Abbott's work was incredibly touching to see! In general, really interesting to hear about the more casual relationship they had to their paintings - having Tom come along for the start of the video was a very welcome addition.

This was excellent. You really went all out. Love the result. 🥰🥰🥰

Watching the painting "walk itself" to the hot table was a bit surreal. I love watching Julien do these extremes. Itty bitty miniature portraits for jewelry and big billboard sized paintings.

That gel cleaning technique was really next level. At first I wasn't so interested because I don't like abstract art, but I have to admit it was still a very interesting video to watch. Excellent work, as always. :)

I must admit that I started to appreciate abstract paintings more, once I started to get a peek on the "backstage art" through Julian's videos. I now see more on those paintings than just the pictures in them - the techniques, the brush strokes, the texture, I actively look for them now, and they carry a new meaning for me - even if the value I attribute to them is just because of the connections I make with the videos I've seen - nothing deeper, nothing fancier, just my own positive associations that allow me to like this kind of art. I guess I also understand better the "eye of the beholder" thing now. None of that has any "intrinsic" value the way food or tools or whatever have - like I've spent my whole life saying under my breath every time I saw a painting sell for a fortune. However, what I didn't get then and I get now, is that such art doesn't have to fit any other role other than provide a canvas (sorry...) for us to project our own associations and make our own connections. I project on them the memory of the (by now many) restorations that I watched, and whatever limited understanding of the techniques involved I gained. I can just imagine what they would mean to someone that is actually involved in producing and/or conserving them. Long story short, today I would gladly hang one of those enigmatic abstract pieces in my wall.

So not a fan of abstract expressionism! But I am a BIG fan of Julian's conservation work! That is as beautiful as always. Thanks for the great video

I know it's already been said in the comments here, but I just wanted to reiterate that I found the creation of the detergent gels to be really interesting. The technical aspects of your work are as enticing as the artistic side. Well done, as always.

Literally was avoiding going to sleep because got a feeling something great was coming. I was right 😊

While I do not understand the painting, I do understand it means allot to the someone. I enjoyed hearing the excitement in the man's voice and learning about a new artist and time period of art creation. Thank you for the video.

Abstract Expressionism is my favourite movement. It’s so raw and exploratory

Thank you for this and all the other pieces that you've shared with us. Being Autistic, I appreciate your attention to detail as well as the ethical approach you take in keeping in tone with every piece you work on. Although I have not the first idea of what constitutes fine art, I am encouraged to find out more about the artists behind what we see on screen. I spent an hour or so last night googling Mary Abbott to find out more about the Human being behind the work. A fascinating person and a fascinating life. If I'm having a bad day or feeling overly stressed or anxious after work, watching your work I find very calming and is so much appreciated. Thank you for deciding to share the work you do on you tube. I've learned so much since I began watching you work. I came across your channel by going down the youtube rabbit hole and finding myself here one night after following random recommendations from the algorithm, but I am grateful, for the reasons stated. So, thank you and I look forward to watching your next post with anticipation. Finally, I'm also fascinated by the watches that you wear as its perhaps the only real interest that we share and I like to try to identify them as I see them, but its not always easy! Thank you for being an educator, Julian. Frankie :)

Hi Julian. RE: testing pH, you should put some liquid on the test strips (e.g. dip your glass rod into the solution then apply to strip), rather than dip the strips into the solution, to avoid contamination of your solution with the chemical indicators the strip is impregnated with.

I have an exam tomorrow and I've been feeling depressed and listless from all the stress and I definitely needed a distraction so thank you Julian for lessening my stress and making me forget about it even for a little while

Abstract expressionism, the PVA gel pad cleaning, the size, the re-sculpting of the impasto, the beautiful stretcher, the black ribbon - and last but not least the result: This might be my favourite episode so far. Now I (totally selfish) hope that the Brandhorst family get’s interested in this work…

So many fascinating things here - the PVA gel process, the way you handled this large painting so surely and carefully, your tack delivery system (lol). I love seeing your approach to retouching an abstract work!

I don't understand how anyone could dislike abstract expressionism. I can spend hours looking at large works, just passing over all the areas imaging what the artist was thinking and feeling at the time. Taking in the whole thing and trying to look at it in different ways to understand it differently. In a lot of ways it's way more fun than "traditional" art. With that, you have a painting that shows a thing and you see the thing. You can marvel at the construction and the technique etc etc. But nothing has the infinite number of interpretations like expressionism. I mean, even some of those dismissive comments themselves show how powerful it is. Someone sees it and thinks of a car crash with paint being sent flying everywhere. That's amazing. How is it not a good thing to look at a painting and see that story in your head? If it reminds you of your plate after Thanksgiving dinner, that itself is also really cool. What memories and emotions does that bring out within you? I think that's the true power of abstract expressionism.

Not a fan of this type of art but can appreciate the work that goes into it. I laughed when I saw you had to move ice pops out of your way to put the gel in the freezer ☺️

A stunning outcome! And I hope you get to see Thomas Johnson’s latest restoration video where he gives you a lovely nod of recognition as he performs another of his genius antique furniture restorations! Two of my favourite RU-vid stars connected again!

Thoroughly enjoyed the back story with Tom. Knowing the history he had with the artist made the final result that much more impactful. He seemed like a great individual. Hope to see more like this.

I don't know why, but abstract expressionism really touches me in a different way. Beautiful piece of art by the artist and conservator. Thanks for the weekly experience.

I am absolutely blown away at how stunning this piece looked after all your work. It's so vibrant and full of life!

I fell in love with the painting before the restoration. After? I want a full size print!! Great job Julian!

Wow, what an involved technique for making the pva pads to assist with the dirt removal! Always a new learning experience watching this channel.

An abstract and a client! A two for one! If he sells to a museum please tell us who so we can visit it and see something you conserved in person.

I'm soooo NOT into abstract art, but watching this channel is always so satisfying

Just to balance out all the other comments: I personally really love modern art, especially these huge-sized ones. They radiate so much energy!

I wish I could live to see the day where the next conservationist says “ah this is one of Baumgartner’s conservations, so we know that there is an isolation layer between the paints he used and the original…” …”notice the care taken with the tacking edge even on the back, and always with tacks…”

I think this is the first time I genuinly appreciated a piece of modern art. The vibrancy and energy of the final reveal was incredible!

Gosh, that chromium green after cleaning looks amazing. Another fantastic job, thank you Julian.

I love you so much for not judging a painting because its abstract. Alot of people hate abstract art, but tbh, abstract is another form of expressing emotions.

I don’t have an ounce of “artist/painter” in my body. I am fascinated by your work. You make every painting beautiful again. Thank you for allowing me/us into your world. ❤️

I love seeing you tackle abstract works. That whole period involving Morris Louis and Helen Frankenthaler - beautiful pieces in a time of experimentation, but a nightmare for conservators now haha. Just pigment on raw canvas, slowly eating away over time

Appreciate you inviting the owners of the paintings, very interesting to hear what they think and how you communicate with clients. Also the filming and editing gets better with every new video. Keep up the good work, Julian!

i love seeing the people who come to you for restoration they always have some great story or history.

Attention to detail is everything, appreciate the tutorial on PVA cleaning blocks, very interesting demonstration step. As always another amazing video. ♥️

oh gosh, the vibrant colors of the cleaned painting shown at the end of the video are so breathtaking!

Fascinating learning about your technique for the PVA gel. Unlike many here I liked this painting and wanted to see it's restoration more fully, however at the end of the video it was rushed so quickly that the onscreen thumbnail for another video popped right into the middle of the finished painting and I couldn't see it! Please have mercy on us Julian and allow us a little more lead in time at the end of the video.

Finding all the paint loss on a painting like that must be a nightmare.

Love how this channel has grown. Seeing you, and others now on camera being more interactive. It's really nice to see. Great content, Amazing Channel!!!

You brought back to life the all-important [ WHITE SPACE! ] Really a striking painting.

I love Abstract Art. This "Summer" restoration went from a cloudy thunderstorm sort of day to Full Summer Sun! So much more inviting and makes you want to spend time just enjoying feeling the sun on your face so to speak. Once again Julian you gave new life to this lovely painting.

It's always fun to see a modern abstract painting come into the studio! I like seeing the similarities and differences in techniques you use. Sculpting the impasto looks like a lot of fun and the PVA gel was super clever!

Absolutely love it when you have some more modern art on this channel, thank you so much :) The interviews really are something special - feels like I'm watching a Netflix documentary!

honestly, some of the comments are making me sad. abstract art/modern art is so gorgeous in its own way. the emotion really comes through when you pay attention.

I love when we get to see the owners and learn more about how they got the painting and where it will be going! I know not everyone wants to be in a video, but I love it when someone does.

As usual, the before/after comparison blows my mind. Really vivid colors!

"Wow, it's fantastic... so what kind of shape is it in?" while looking right at the painting, unable to tell what is damage and what is just abstraction, really is speaking volumes about this kind of art... XD

I've watched hours and hours of this channel and my fav parts are when he introduces is to a new technique

I wish we could have seen the dealer's reaction to seeing it done. Amazing.

Quite apart from the boon of watching an expert conservation, I am blown away by the fact your viewers get to see a truly wonderful painting they would otherwise probably never see and for this I thank you.

I loved this one! I didn't know the artist but I love her work, thanks for introducing me to her work 🙏

Yessss more abstract works!! I loooove watching you restore these. All paintings are reliant on their color and brushwork for impact, ofc, but with abstract it's SO vital, since there's not necessarily an "image" that can be made out otherwise if things dull or if the eye is drawn away from how the work as a whole functions.

3:53 this is how I react to all paintings being cleaned 😂😅 Nice reaction Tom!

Several things that stood out: the interaction with the gallery owner was filled with bonhomie & business-like chat and we got to see Prof. B. In a whole new way. The gel stuff was amazing. Finally I have asked myself what would happen with an abstract, retouching wise & now we know!! Wonderful.

This feels like a PBS show, I love it.

I've just discovered your channel and this is now my new favourite part of the internet

Wonderful as always. As an aside, you may want to add a few seconds to the end of your videos to give the viewers a chance to admire the final work. Especially because RU-vid adds a little ad for the next video, which blocks some of the screen. On mobile (where I watch), it obscures a large portion of your work.

That reveal of the finished work brought an audible gasp from me, “WOW!!!” I am not a student of art and it’s many genres, this was a beautiful result.

When you put tacks in your mouth, no kidding, whole new respect! ✊🏾 ♥️✌🏾 Beautiful restoration.

Absolutely beautiful restoration. I’m always blown away by the change in the whole feel of the painting when the grime is gone and the voids are covered.

I'm impressed by the way you produced the gel. I knew you were going to test and produce and mix fitting solvents but learning how deep you digg into chemisty by doing so is amazing. I love to see those hidden things behind your work!

I don't get and probably will never get abstract art but hey its heartwarming.

everytime i see a new upload i let out the manliest victory screech . big W today

After watching Julian test, scrape, face, stablize, tack(no staples), swab fill, swab, retouch, varnish and on, for over three years, I now have a peculiar problem. Im evaluating paintings on Antiques Road Show and thinking Julian needs to get this one!! more than once thinking that varnish is so yellow, bet that would look great cleaned up, those paint chips..., that's going to need some Belgian linen to replace..., OY what a problem..... but what fun!! Thanks for posting all you do Julian.

Ahhh all the comments about abstract art not being art or it being easy. Honestly the fact that people feel an emotion means that’s it is art. In my opinion good art moves people and having the emotion of dislike towards this piece validates it as actual art. But what do I know ? To each their own :)

beautiful painting, when it was dirty the green at the top left was very unbalanced but clean it's fantastic, great job as usual

The science behind these restorations is truly something to behold. Great work, Mr. Baumgartner.

i'm watching backwards through through the channel, and seeing the difference in julian handling large paintings alone vs with kit to help him is night and day. no wonder he was willing to take on an apprentice!

Been a while since we've seen you split tacks. I was just thinking in the last video that it has been a while. Nice to see the technique back.

Loved the dynamic between you and your customer. There was clearly history there, and a good one at that. Can’t wait to see which museum this piece ends up in- and I learned some more about art history today.

He mentioned how he retouches and works to fill in loses very carefully despite the fact that no one would really notice because he likes to think of if the painting is examined. That reminded me of a story an art professor told me. When she was working on her doctorate and writing her thesis she traveled out of the country to an area where she was studying the work of a specific artist in a museum. She was there every single day to examine the pieces and make notes. The first day she went to speak to security to tell them what she was doing and that she would be very close to the paintings without touching them. She often would get only inches away, hands behind her back, staring at the tiny lines of brush work. She said she recalls holding her breath so as not to breathe on the painting at that distance. Julian's comment just took me back to that conversation with her and I wanted to share. She is no longer with us and I miss her often.

I adore how unique the process of conserving abstract art pieces is (particularly when it comes to fill in medium and retouching)! Thank you for sharing this one with us Julian!

I love abstract so much also seeing the client and hearing the conservation conversation (the conso convo hah!) Was so interesting

What a "can't look away" video. Loved it. The banter between the two of you was so interesting. Lovely work Julian.

I LOVED this video! Great to see some abstract art. Really liked the art dealer's views on the painting. "Freckles all over the place"❣️

I absolutely love that a dealer came in and was super familiar with the piece. Your knowledge is always on point but it's so cool to see you interact with a client.

Starting my week off with my favorite channel! Paint me happy!😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃

Best way to start my Monday. Oh, I see staples......

My favorite parts of this video are the significant stretches where you're not visible but the painting is moving, making it look like your studio is haunted.

That gel making and cleaning was so fascinating to watch!

I love when you have the temporary owner in. You could tell how much he loves what he does. That painting is so WONDERFUL! The light and energy that comes from it. I love all kinds of artwork, but abstract is one of my favorites. I love when paintings let the viewer's imagination take over. This video is one of my favorites. I appreciate how you explained each step.😻🌷🌺🌻🐞

Oh how different!!! Jazz suits this channel

I really enjoy watching paintings being restored by these masters. They have so much knowledge and patience when cleaning and restoring these pieces of historic art.

This is soooo interesting! I've been sitting here eating my dinner and completely forgot about my food, because I was so captivated by especially the cleaning process. I love your videos, they're so interesting and satisfying to watch.

Can't say I'm a fan of the painting style, but the process and result are fascinating

Oh hell yes! I was binging your videos and then this popped up? Perfection.