Comprimise-d?

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One-hundred percent, one-hundred percent of the time; that's the goal. Except when it's not. There are times and circumstances where a client approaches us with seemingly conflicting desires; conserve the artwork, but not too much, use the best materials but not if they're expensive, etc... And it's in this space of compromise that we must decide if these restrictions or concessions are going to result in a beautiful balance of compromise or a pursuit and result that are compromised.
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[@dylweezy117]

Sometimes i forget how incredibly expensive this probably is.

[@JonnyRobbie]

Yeah, Julian often says that the price should stay between him and the client, but I feel that if the price itself is such an integral part of the narrative, leaving it out becomes a little bit disingenuous.

[@jzzsxm]

Somebody with his skill set should be able to demand $50-$75 per hour in salary. Now wrap in the overhead and how long it takes to restore these paintings, and you're looking at probably a minimum order of $5k

[@emilywheeler9199]

@@jzzsxm5k for some of the stuff he does is not even a crazy price for some of the miraculous work he does, I honestly expected a greater price

[@artsyscrub3226]

@@JonnyRobbie Honestly it really doesn't, it influences desicions but its not important because hes doing the work anyways, and its probably for the best people would start to question his work related to the price not the actual work. Also people are way to judgmental and accuse julian of overpricing as many artists are subject to. Besides that work like this doesn't have a set price so knowing the price wouldn't help anyone figure out if its worth it because every painting is unique. Tldr: the price of his work is something that is entirely unnecessary to put out unless you're considering hiring him for work in that case they can talk to him and work it out

[@kimberly_erin]

I actually think he should not share that. I’m sure the price is high, and I’m sure it would only motivate imposters to destroy more paintings for the money.

[@wildman2012]

Reading between the lines: No. 1 -- "I've got to have this before Christmas." No. 2 -- "It's for my mother-in-law, so I only want to spend 500 bucks."

[@JessieInJapan]

@wildman2012 Yeah, that assessment feels about right.

[@86fifty]

Ohhhhh, that would make a lot of sense. I'm gonna take that as my headcanon for this one. Makes the client seem LESS of the unreasonable-demand type and more the tired "I'm doing what they asked, but I don't like them so I'm not going to go whole-hog" type.

[@catherineliu06]

okay yeah i was wondering what "having no time" meant. it's not like the painting is going anywhere...until you said this

[@venetianstudios5171]

Absolute facts. "I'm having a holiday party and it has to be back in my guest bathroom in time!"

[@topnotchtsi]

I mean, he could have simply said "no" and move on to another painting/customer lol

[@AmandaTroutman]

Not gonna lie... Love seeing Kit in the background. Hope she's doing well with her life and studies

[@Kadarro85]

I'm always a little dissapointed when I don't see her for even a few frames :)

[@morriganwitch]

@@Kadarro85me too xxx

[@thissideofrandom8800]

​@@jimfree0haha that took me awhile. Idkw but I find it amusing now

[@IanZainea1990]

Me too!

[@jn3559]

I was thinking the same thing! We miss her.

[@thissideofrandom8800]

I feel bad that some future conservator is gonna be like "Dude why didn't the last conservation take this off the plywood? What a bad job!" I hope Julian put a note on the back "I told them all to take it off but they said no!"

[@AletuatheFallen]

If they pull up the conservation notes, the first line should be "I'm sorry about the plywood, I begged but the owner said I couldn't remove it, I'm upset about it too."

[@ewm335]

Maybe I missed the part where Julian offered to do the extra work of removing it from the plywood for free? I’m sure the owner would’ve gone along with that. Otherwise, this video actually veers toward the whiny in terms of the “compromises.” Julian himself points out it’s a painting of unknown provenance and subject matter, so can’t say I blame the owner for not going no-expense-spared on it.

[@AletuatheFallen]

@@ewm335 It’s not just peeling the plywood off like it’s a sticker off a banana & calling it a day, it would also likely entail the full hot table treatment for the painting, given the state of the paint & prior “repairs”. That’s assuming the plywood was glued on with a normal rabbit skin glue & not one of the more problematic modern non-conservation grade adhesives we’ve seen on previous episodes. It’s not economical or responsible as a business owner to offer that kind of service for free to any client, even one on a limited budget & timescale. Given how paintings are usually shipped to & from the studios, the client likely couldn’t have reasonably found another studio within their limited timeframe. I think working within those constraints was probably more generous than Julian would let on in any public discussion; having to rush a job always costs the business more than doing the job at a regular pace.

[@Ajyia]

Putting a note, even a non-permanent one, would be super-unprofessional and petty. If an artist or craftsman is not at all comfortable with the limitations of any given job, the correct response is to decline the job. But also, why even care about the opinion that some potential future conservator will have if they form that opinion based on a lack of knowledge of the situation? If you can honestly say to yourself that you did the best you could based on the parameters that were given to you, that should really be all that counts.

[@finchhawthorne1302]

@@Ajyiaa conservation record or “note” is as I understand it a standard part of the practice. It’s not attached to the painting, but it’s available. This saves future conservation time knowing what materials and techniques were used (everything’s reversible doesn’t help if future conservators don’t know what to reverse or how) or not used and of any difficult to determine issues that previous conservation uncovered. I don’t think it’d strictly be unprofessional to include elements of the professional assessment and work that was considered but wasn’t performed and why.

[@harkinsclark1417]

I have a fear that one day, many years from now, a conservator is going to tackle a piece of my work and reveal the really terrible brushwork that im constantly trying to hide.

[@I_am_Lauren]

My degree is in museum studies but I've begun making art as a hobby and after watching Julian I do my best to make my work archivally sound so that a conservator won't hate me in the future if my paintings ever need to be worked on. haha

[@Jason-sm4oc]

Conservators rarely dig at the original artist. It's much more likely that shade will be thrown at poor re-touching or conserving. How the artist paints, their technique, style or processes are theirs and as such are the way it is meant to be. That is what makes it 'Art' and not a photocopy. Don't stress it is more likely they will comment on the 'Unique application style' and add value to the piece because of it! 🙂

[@jackthompson6296]

Only an artist would think their technique matters to anyone else.

[@hermi1-kenobi455]

LMAOOO SAME

[@fionafiona1146]

​@@jackthompson6296in sewing and woodworking I have the same issue of fussing over minor mistakes no-one else ever notices

[@xerodeus2337]

"Okay I'll do the compromises, but in return, I get to put you on blast" lol! Great job with this one given all the constraints!

[@Hsviss87]

The entire video I’m sitting here like “DANNNNG”😂

[@michaelimbesi2314]

Very well done on this one. I think the other thing about compromise like this that bears mentioning is that had you not been willing to compromise, it’s possible that the piece either wouldn’t have been conserved at all, or would have been sent to a “conservator” who would have actively made the painting worse.

[@katjathefranknfurter2374]

Absolutely. And this is what compromise is about. With the best most result for the painting!

[@katjathefranknfurter2374]

Absolutely. And this is what compromise is about. With the best most result for the painting!

[@miguelg1370]

You can say that again

[@podfixx3929]

It was explicitly stated.

[@juliesmallwood8656]

@@podfixx3929 Right? Julian literally said this (well, the first part about the owners not conserving it at all).

[@dlsdyer9071]

Understanding that there are financial limits in conservation in the long run may stabilize a painting enough that the next generation can take it the rest of the way. If the painting “looks” good enough, it will more likely stay with the owners descendants.

[@86fifty]

That's a good point! Art conservation must give people longer time-frames of prediction - constantly seeing objects that are 100 or 200 or more years old, it must give a sense of trust over a huge historical legacy... Which immediately reveals my American status, cuz in Europe, they sneer at 400 year old castle renovations as "too recent" to resepct!

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

I thought it might be an art dealer for a quick turnaround and maximized profit. 😉

[@dlsdyer9071]

@@user-mv9tt4st9k I don’t think so. The basics were unknown to the individual- cleaning, varnish, brushwork… Couple that with the piece not having a signature (most likely cut off when the painting was resized and it doesn’t seem so. I can’t see a dealer trying to get a quick profit- maybe a novice or a hustler… but then Julian did the work. No hustler, no sleepy dealer but rather someone who needed to be educated and was strapped.

[@slashbat2375]

There's an alternate universe where instead of being really passive aggressive when talking about previous conservators, julian just swears them out and uses every swear he's got0

[@angelique_cs]

Client: fix it, but don't do anything Julian: hold my swab

[@29lookingood]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Good one. 👍🏾🇬🇧💙

[@anitae]

It's like bringing a Pinto to a Bentley mechanic.

[@godschild6694]

But where can you go to get a beautiful painting fixed when you have very limited money?

[@caitlinw8351]

@@godschild6694yeah.. it’s funny that he keeps saying how the client wouldnt do this or that as if he couldn’t have agreed to do it for a reduced price in secret. he def makes more from youtube than from conserving

[@DAM1EN_]

But why would he agree to do it for a reduced price? @@caitlinw8351

[@EV-wp1fj]

Many years ago, the previous conservator is busy applying that big canvas patch on the front of the painting, thinking about his stingy client and muttering to himself about the need for compromise...

[@Hearthburn1]

Taking off the old varnish looked like washing off spray-tan.

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

😂😂 Yes!

[@thepagan5432]

The fact that the painting itself has been 'cropped', could mean that the Artist's signature and the subject of the painting ended up in a bin or fire. This is a shame for us who enjoy the history of the restored painting, but life is full of disappointments. The painting and frame look superb even with the constraints placed upon Julian. The subject of the painting reminds me of a Parliamentary officer in the time of Oliver Cromwell, but I don't think the painting is that old (1600 - 1650's). Good post, thank you, seasons greetings to you and Kit 🎄🌟🎄

[@Scriptadiaboly]

I would say, more of 1660 restoration period and even later

[@red.aries1444]

Looks more like a painting from 1690-1700. This big whigs came into fashion even for younger men after 1670. After 1700 they started to use white powder on the whigs. (Julian already has restored a painting from that time) The plain scarf around his neck also leads to the time. Earlier it was more in fashion to wear lace. The problem is, that the military commander in this portrait doesn't need to be English. He also could be French, Dutch, German... this fashion was popular throughout Europe at this time.

[@timehunter9467]

I always like seeing the colour of the faces change during cleaning, they go from jaundice to bright and healthy. It’s crazy how yellowed these paintings actually are sometimes.

[@anna9072]

I’m constantly learning how a painting that can appear to the uneducated eye to be perfectly OK, can actually be in catastrophic condition. I love collecting new knowledge, I’ve learned a lot from this channel, as well as enjoying it from a purely aesthetic (auditory and visual) perspective.

[@valarya]

Right?! There's another channel I follow where the creator loves to thrift old art, and she gets quite excited when they're "dark and moody," but I'm looking at them like "they're just dirty!!!!" 😅

[@taynannataly686]

@@valarya drop the name of the creator pls

[@SwayTree]

Man, because of this channel I developed taste for art. And now I even have opinions like: "Lee Krasner's pieces are more interesting than Pollock's." While two years ago I wouldn't be able to distinguish any of them from a generic wallpaper.

[@Nine28457]

@@SwayTreeI think I’m following suit. It’s only been a few weeks for me, but .. wow.

[@gregmunro1137]

I am getting the impression that Julian isn’t happy about leaving the painting on the backing. I don’t blame him, but it still looks amazing. Which would Julian be more acceptable to, leaving a painting on the backing or seeing a 1000 staples used? ( I think either would haunt his dreams )

[@SKY031]

my brain has a vague recollection that we've already had the "1000 staples" video 😝

[@gregmunro1137]

@@SKY031 lol, I though it was only hundreds , but If you say we have seen the night of a thousand staples , I will take your word for it😆

[@juliend5047]

The client sounds like a pain in the ass… I’m also sure they were unhappy with the work because it lost its feeling of being old when the old varnish was removed

[@johnny_eth]

​@@juliend5047Julian explained, right budget, unknown artist, unknown sitter. Not worthwhile to spend so much time and money

[@GiGi-fy6rg]

I don't blame the painting's owner, I am sure Julian's services are pricy for the expertise and quality of his work.

[@simondanielssonmusic]

I am in a bad period in my life right now. This entire year I've been nothing but depressed. Watching your videos give me a break from my life and allows me to focus on the restoration of a great piece of art, something very different from my daily life. I use your videos to fall asleep to when my thoughts keep me up at night. Thank you.

[@shalaz1981]

The frame really makes the portrait pop at the end. Even the limited restoration had a huge impact.

[@gidgetnuke107]

Been a fan for YEARS, now i have a kiddo of my own and at 17 months he loves to watch this channel (we dont let him have much screen time exept a couple times a week and this is such a fun mommy kiddo thing to do!)

[@Corndog4382]

Frankly.. I understand the clients here. It’s an unknown artist and unknown subject. Probably not worth much. Hard to justify spending thousands perfectly fixing a painting you like but don’t care to preserve for hundreds of years to come. It still looks great and although not perfect It’ll almost certainly last their lives and their kids lives.

[@TheWotsa]

0:15 ayyy there’s our little grasshopper toiling away in the background

[@caryblack5985]

It was interesting to see a project in which there was limitations in the clients budget and time frame. I am sure that there aremany times when you cannot do what you have liked to do because the cost would be too high. Glad you decided to discuss and show what could be done when the situation is not ideal.

[@albertadriftwood3612]

Not everyone has unlimited funds. This anonymous painting was given new life despite the limitations. Job well done.

[@HeinzTheBaronKraussVonEspy]

I love how a lot of this seems like a low-key yet savage burn of the client. In most any line of work we get customers who want us to squeeze water from a stone, and want to pay nothing for us.

[@nonehandle688]

I think that's an unfair statement. Some people will get a piece of artwork at a yard sale or flea market and they simply want it cleaned by someone who knows what they're doing. If they cannot afford more, wouldn't it be responsible to try to conserve what's there? Would you prefer that they clean it with a sponge at home because they cannot afford the full treatment? Even if the artwork is will executed, is it wise to spend a fortune on a piece that is not worth anything in the art market? It seems to me they are doing what they can.

[@anna9072]

I can see both sides of the issue. I understand Julian’s discomfort with doing a job to a standard that’s less than what he considers perfection, but the client may not be able to afford to do all that he may have desired, yet wants to do what he can to restore it.

[@l1277]

@@nonehandle688 I don't necessarily disagree with you but I'd be kinda embarrassed if someone I knew told me 'Hey, I hear you were too poor to do a proper conservation on that new painting you bought'. And given how often the rich like to grandstand about their wealth, there's definitely a lot of burn in this video.

[@joeb4142]

I was trying to count the amount of low key shade Julian cast in this video but I lost track. That’s one of the reasons a lot of us enjoy his videos actually. I would love to see/hear the conversation between Julian and the client where the client was trying to keep costs down while Julian was trying to preserve his professional and artistic integrity and also honoring the artist’s original vision. It was interesting to hear when Julian finally put his foot down and was uncompromising. 👍🏻

[@joeb4142]

@@nonehandle688If they want less than the best they should go elsewhere for their fine art restoration. It’s as simple as that. There are plenty of hacks who will be happy to take their money for an inferior restoration.

[@breznevolaso4090]

The portraiture is exquisite. It's like having a 17th century french portrait of louis XIV or some duke or chevalier.

[@sandrag3854]

Agreed. As soon as the hair was more visible, I thought of Louis XIV.

[@andrei.bogdan]

After a chaotic day, this man not only restores paintings before my eyes, he also restores a balance and discipline in my life. As silly as it may sound, you sir have a way with words and with your work that transcendes my tiny phone screen and pours calmness into my being. Thank you :)

[@Jen39x]

You put it much more eloquently than I. My way of saying it would be making order from chaos and what a wonderful thing it is

[@ZenWithKen]

Sometimes good enough, is good enough. Well done.

[@nataliehartel3766]

Im so glad they agreed to conserving the frame. That cleaning made all the difference

[@hamsonthehill]

Today, I find myself in a new way of living that I was not wanting or expecting. I am having to "Compromise". You have given me a new way of thinking about it. Thank you.

[@AsagaoSTL]

I appreciate the “proof of life” shots of Kit.

[@JuliaARubin]

I think it’s great that you have shown us this project. Many people hesitate to work with conservators because of their unwillingness to adapt or compromise. Here we saw not a ‘budget conservation’, but an old damaged painting brought back to life, to be admired by generations to come. Your understanding and luck of snobbery, pardon the term, were crucial in the situation.

[@demaramorrow1661]

As a small business owner, we find it very hard to take an "intelligent loss of business" but we're learning that sometimes, saying no saves us money (occasionally allows us ro actually make money from projects that arent bearing the weight of the loss of the one) and frustration. That said, it was really neat to see this one brought back to a rather nice state under the circumstances.

[@AussieFaraday2024]

Julian, thank you for your speech about compromise. I am going to use a transcript of it in my classes on negotiation skills. When you reframe negotiation in the way you so eloquently did, it helps to encourage people to see it as a challenge, not as a 'all or nothing' stance that so many seem to think of it. Also, great work on what you achieved within the constraints.

[@justrelaxing1501]

I love the dent on the characters head, I guess he was in one too many jousts. Beautiful work as always. Thanks for sharing your videos.

[@samanthadean1083]

Geez, the client must not be a subscriber of this channel, otherwise they would understand the importance of removing the old varnish!!! Happy Holidays, Julian and Kit!!! ❤️❤️❤️👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@wildman2012]

Hasn't every artist or craftsman (crafts-person) heard this at least once in their career: "I can't pay you much, but it'll look great on your resume."

[@Scriptadiaboly]

Ugh 😅

[@Schlact]

Wonderful! I hope the customer was ecstatic with what you did. Your work is always fantastic

[@KGTiberius]

The painting, artist, sitter, client, and we the viewers all appreciate the compromise… it sheds light on a work that is in a better place now than before restoration and illustrates (well executed) compromise has a place and can make things better. 📍 As the saying goes, don’t let perfect get in the way of good.

[@ncdave4]

Great result.. working with what you're given, the mark of a true craftsman

[@arianacole499]

Julian is covertly reading this client to filth and I’m here for it

[@sheHerTheyThem]

Until the client watches the video..and future clients, it's bad for business to talk trash about a client for a 23 minute video the way he did.

[@BelleMichele99]

@@sheHerTheyThemyes, i understand his fristration, but i can’t believe he spent the entire video talking about it! comes off very unprofessional, and i’m a years-long loyal fan of his. very odd.

[@sheHerTheyThem]

@@BelleMichele99 right!!! I've watched for years ,looked forward to his videos and this was the first time I actually was put off by a video, I can't afford to have ANY of my artwork conserved and I have a painting and a Patrick Nagel, it took Julian to remind me I WILL NEVER be of a caliber to afford it,so i might as well stop dreaming about it.this was the most discouraging video from a art perspective he's ever shown,from a client perspective I'd look elsewhere..he made money off of every single view,he's making money off of every like on this video and he's making money off of every comment good or bad.. to talk sh!+ after making your point,to the point your subscribers COMMENT 😬😬not a good look.he went beyond compromise,he trashed a client and their financial perspective without knowing what they had going on..kindness and respect compassion matter..he did this behind a camera TO however many people will view it,without the clients EVER giving a chance to explain their perspective which when you hire a business and they agree to a price,you should not have to justify why you can only afford a certain amount..

[@Djoarhet001]

@@sheHerTheyThem I don't feel it's as bad as you make it out to be. He simply explained a project where they had to make some compromises. Both Julian and the client made them. Explaining you both have different visions isn't "talking shit". t's a conversation, a journey and in the end they found a solution.

[@Z3pticon]

@@sheHerTheyThem Nothing presented in this video is trash talk. Its a calm and factual presentation about what he is doing, why he is doing it, and if possible, what he would rather do. Im pretty sure he had this exact same conversation about it with the client. I cant find any negative characteristics of the client, not a single stab at them. There is a budget, there is a time limit, and there are personal preferences, all presented straight up and with no malice. As a viewer i found this video very good as it explains what can be done on a small budget, it tells me what to expect, and what compromises is willing to be made. If the fact that he disagrees with some of the choices made and talking about it is "talking shit" then you seriously need to move out of your bubble and join the real world. Without disagreement, there cant be any learning.

[@LaughingInTiny]

Interesting viewpoint on how needing to do more with less can be a great teacher. I've sat/worked on the boards of many art societies and organizations, some government funded, some privately funded and some almost entirely volunteer based. By a massive marhin, my experience has shown me that the more funding there is, especially from the government, the less creative the output. You definitely can accomplish more and larger scope projects with more funds, but not always better. With fewer resources you learn to think WAY outside of the box and often happy accidents come about in wonderful ways. I think the trick often would be to train in an environment with less... but then move into a space with more resources but use the things you learned along the way. Obviously not sustainably applicable to a vocation but an interesting way to approach many things.

[@kevinm-py1nt]

Great video! I always love when a frame restoration is involved.

[@EZEQUIELGOMEZ-oc5mu]

The repairs was beautifully done, now it looks complete!

[@SnoringCatPhoto]

It is a pity we don’t know the artist or sitter as it likely would have changed the client’s decision to remove from backing. The result is still stunning. No one conserves better!

[@Kadarro85]

New video:) it's like a therapy :)

[@fred6059]

Julian never backs away from a challenge.

[@joeb4142]

LOL But we probably see less than 5% of the paintings sent to him.

[@lisam5576]

I'm curious to know how he would have addressed the shape of the painting if he had removed it from the board. How do you construct a stretcher for a painting of that shape?

[@hpau87]

They make round stretchers! Slightly more complicated, but still has keys

[@mossmakes]

He's worked with a round painting on a stretcher before- in the videos titled "oh, brother"

[@marthaanderson2656]

not only an art conservation video but a metal health coaching session.

[@jumpschiff]

i worry that this piece has no signature because it got cut off. it's a beautiful work of art, whoever made it definitely signed it

[@Figs_and_Peaches]

Having you walk us through the business/customer service side of conversation is really interesting! I think you did a wonderful job as always. Even though it’s not how you would do it if you had total freedom.

[@PilgrimInProgress]

I know most clients don't want to be filmed, but I think we would all love to see a series wherein the client is involved from start to finish.

[@samanthafafnis4799]

I would love to see more frame restorations. I find them just as satisfying as the paintings!

[@MapleHillMunitions]

Watching the actual retouching process is like watching time turn backwards. It always makes me feel like things can be fixed no matter what.

[@skullpirate360]

The client is gonna feel broke af after watching this

[@Stephen_Lafferty]

Whenever I watch one of Julian's documentaries, I feel that I could also take a painting and conserve it - Julian makes it feel so calm, logical and straightforward! Don't worry, I won't ever do anything more than look at art, and will leave all of the conservation work to the experts!

[@Jason-sm4oc]

Ikr. He hides so much work with 'I did some tests' and a huge amount of technique is put down to 'muscle memory'. I would be terrified if I had to do even half of the stuff he does!

[@b.a.erlebacher1139]

I could see myself doing some of the cleaning grunt work, but what he does with retouching is so far beyond what I could imagine myself doing that it's like magic!

[@lburton874]

Funny enough I used what I learnt from another video to repair a new blank canvas before I painted on it.

[@55ATA3]

What a change, and to think you could have done even more. Thanks for taking the time to make the video, Hope you, Kit and your family's have a great Holiday season.

[@caroltanzi29]

Julian: compromise or not, you did an excellent job restoring that unsigned painting. Bottom line, if that’s what the client wants, give it your them. However, I know exactly how you feel. Learned that lesson years ago in my profession - interior design. Carol from California

[@Elish-a]

The compromises that existed for this project made this restoration all the more impressive. Julian was able to accomplish a beautifully conserved piece despite many constraints. Well done

[@TheRangerBob]

The World is full of compromise. Great job with this project.

[@robertl6196]

Sitting at work. Power went out. Can we leave yet? Ooo! Julian video!

[@dianewalker9154]

Glad to see Kit working hard. Can we have a new video with Kit? Would love to see how you are teaching and challenging her skills.

[@jeniferbaker4858]

I am so glad that you showed us this. It seemed that I had been waiting so long. You did a great job with a limited budget, the painting looks so much nicer. Thankyou again for showing us this. Well done.

[@lorna5609]

Julian, my dear friend, thank you for this wonderful video. Your commentary on compromise is one that goes far beyond your studio. It is one that our entire country would do well to hear. Thank you for your work.

[@Animallover5316]

I really admire how much you care about the artworks themselves.

[@Kadarro85]

this video seems like a speedrun :D due to limitations and budget :D

[@Effervescency]

Great work! It really makes me appreciate the time you take to do inlays because I see the ghost of the spot, but only if I’m focusing on it/looking for it. It’s so easy not focusing on it with how well it was cleaned and the portrait being so striking. 👍👍

[@neongrey333]

really like seeing this - i love when you pull out all the stops but it's nice to see the greater constraints used on this one. sucks how time and budget can't always be infinite.

[@LuisRodriguez-dl8ml]

We should have a subscribers fund for artwork and art pieces that require restoration but their owners can't afford it. It could be our contribution to the channel but also to the profession and art in general.

[@violet26rose]

Baumgartner, thank you so much for your content! I started watching because of satisfying varnish removal. But, as I've continued watching, I come back to learn about your process and about art. Also, as somebody who struggles with a mild speech impediment, I really enjoy listened to your voiceovers, and appreciate that you leave your small speech errors in the edit. I find it lovely and very human, and as a result am being kinder to myself about it. And, of course, you do beautiful work! Thank you again. :)

[@m.bluetail]

Love your thoughts on compromise! Been struggling at my job lately with just this exact thing, and it helped me see it in a different perspective. Beautifully done work!

[@JadedLady]

I really like this one. It's clean and repaired without looking like it is "fresh from the cleaners".

[@TomLeg]

When I was a young lighting designer in theatre, I found that sometimes having limitations resulted in an inspiring design.

[@suzannewilman7634]

What an amazing transformation - you are exceptionally talented, I'm sure the client is over the moon on the result you achieved. Love your videos and get so excited when I get a notification of a new one. God Bless ❤

[@lisaloschiavo8874]

Your talent blows me away!

[@dshe8637]

What did the client say about removing the canvas from the plywood again? Remind me. I've forgotten...

[@jackiebrand3352]

Beautiful. I can understand not being able to afford things, they did send it to you knowing they would have what they could afford done right . In the future the next owners hopefully will have the funds to do a full restoration. Thank you for pulling me out of my world into yours. Happy Holidays

[@daniedel6333]

I agree with you. My mom always says do what you can do until you can do better. At least the owner didn't want the work to continue in the sad state it was in.

[@carlacolombon2719]

Drinking game where you take a shot every time Julian roasts the client 🙈

[@0c4pnh4nk]

I really like that angle that you showed us your retouching. It just melted away.

[@boycemallas8190]

Julian gives us a lesson in how to be professional and courteous while also being sassy. He's a true champion for conservators.

[@gregmunro1137]

N he knows how to throw shade while being professional- I love it

[@marquamfurniture]

I hope the client reads comments and learns what a JERK they are.

[@laurenglass4514]

Again a wonderful job and solutions. This is positive to watch and listen. It makes our day better.

[@watchmedo635]

Fantastic work as always Julian, what a wonderful portrait - one of my favourites you've shared with us!

[@samrush9624]

Mate! How do you attract clients? These clients, when they hang this picture, will have the feeling that everyone viewing it, will also have watched you slate them from one end of the video to other. And rather than this being a reason to celebrate, they'll feel humiliated, having been effectively called cheap Philistines getting better than they deserve.

[@joanb7567]

Another beautiful transformation !!!

[@antagonizerr]

I get it. As a conservator, you see every art piece as priceless. Owners can't sustain that idea as the cost of conservation cannot exceed the value of the art.

[@bunhelsingslegacy3549]

That, and just because you have an art piece, however it was acquired, doesn't mean you have the cash to conserve it thoroughly. It's like having a $1500 vet bill on an animal you paid $150 for... sometimes choices have to be made.

[@Kaalokalawaia]

I'm very glad you were able to compromise with the client. It's a wonderful portrait and deserves to be seen as it was intended. Also very cool to see your skills under constraints. Conservation under a higher difficulty level.

[@deeannamorrison8587]

The comprises made by both parties, created an astonishing piece of artwork. Your talents are endless. Thank you for sharing them with us.😊

[@ElPar01]

Love your brutal honesty! You did an AMAZING job!!!

[@lisajahn6839]

Thank you all for sharing this wonderful video! Be well, stay safe all.😊

[@sebastianmaker6798]

I think this video frustrated some viewers because it wasn't for THEM. I took this video as being for conservators, for artists, for people who create and repair who are often given these constraints of time and price. And from the outside looking in, it can be easy to say "Well, if they couldn't afford it, why not give it to them at a discounted rate?" But that's just not how these things work. Ironically, I would gamble many of those same people would say it's rude to ask an artist to paint at a discounted rate (which it is). For myself, I have a side job of sewing commissions, from small repairs on coats to full wedding gowns sewn from scratch. But I only discount myself in very specific circumstances. I will and have gladly repaired a winter coat for free if I know someone can't afford to replace it. I will not do the same with an expensive suit. The fact of the matter is that you can live without the suit, the coat may be the only item that person has to keep warm. And I feel this painting is very similar. If the client didn't feel the painting was worth the cost of a full conservation, why should he do it for free? It may be a very different situation if this was a beloved family heirloom of a family member, but they made it quite clear that they only wanted to do the bare minimum for this piece. My full time job is healthcare. A hard lesson I've been forced to learn is that I cannot care more than my patient does, I can only help people who want to get better. If someone refuses treatment, if they don't take their medication, they ignore the phone calls and texts and letters asking them to schedule...there isn't more I can do. They have to be willing to meet me halfway because I can't do any of those things for them. And if I spend all of my time worrying about patients who couldn't care less, I'll never have time for the ones who want to put in the effort. I think it's a similar thing for conservation. While Julian may want the absolute best for the painting, at the end of the day, that painting will leave his studio. He can't control whether it's directly above a fireplace or if they decide to add some extra nails to the frame. And if he spends all of his time fighting with people who simply aren't interested in doing more for the piece, he'd never have time for the clients who DO want their paintings to be as safe and cared for as possible.

[@miserablepumpkin9453]

My thoughts exactly. Thanks for articulating them so perfectly

[@Aphelia.]

Very well said

[@AfonNoria]

What a pretty painting, what a gorgeous frame, and what an interesting lesson about compromise to be learned - and all just in time for the upcoming holidays. Thank you.

[@asjaasja7642]

What for an amazing transformation. I understand its hard to do not all steps, but this result is great❤

[@jimbobbob9063]

Beautiful. Love watching your work. Thank you

[@IanZainea1990]

many people these days steer away from gold frames because they feel they are gaudy, and while if there are a bunch in a certain area, yes. But I think done tastefully (like this painting) they're magnificent!

[@virginiarichards6872]

Beautiful job even with the limitations. What a difference you made!!!

[@apollion888]

One of your best, taking the advice to heart

[@AlanDayley]

That frame looks so MUCH better!

[@npeters97]

Fascinating and entertaining as always. I would be interested to see more about conserving frames and gilding from you in the future.

[@blackietotheend]

As hard as it is, to not fully restore the frame and reline the canvas , you still have to admire the owner to spend the money to stabilise the piece. Some times we all have financial limits

[@chocolatefrenzieya]

Julian's clients: We want a lot for little money in even less time. Julian's viewers: Now wait just a minute, hoss...

[@caodesignworks2407]

Having worked at a framing shop for years, that framing chop job is exactly the result of a previous owner wanting specifically that frame and nothing else mattered to them. I've had to chop down quite a few paintings or photos for people who wanted it no other way