Oil Painting Facial Reconstruction - Lifting The Veil

[@86fifty]

Oooh, very smart idea, to have the client record a bit of audio explaining the background of this piece! Totally understandable that most people are not gonna wanna be on camera (I know I wouldn't), but recording a voice clip is a great middle-ground choice! I hope this can be done again in future vids!

[@sugandspice9397]

I agree, I really liked hearing a bit of backstory directly from the client. You can tell how much it meant to him

[@fancydeer]

I really like hearing the background of the paintings but hearing it from the client just gave it something extra.

[@hamarbiljungskile8953]

Personally, I'd love to hear the client narrate Lovecraft.

[@wurfel42]

Lovely to hear the client at the start of the video, you can really understand what it means to have this done well.

[@vincevdijk7430]

AI voice....

[@I_am_Lauren]

@@vincevdijk7430 It's not AI, the quality of the voice is worse because it is probably a voicemail recording.

[@realrebelli0n]

@@vincevdijk7430 To think that a high quality art restoration channel, run by a highly skilled and authentic person, who has proven himself time and time again and who will keep being successful and appreciated just by not fooling around, would just randomly use an AI voice, is astonishing.

[@solanoemiliobarbosa7453]

Voicemail lol. Are you in the 90's ???

[@stephanieparker1250]

I agree, I loved that!

[@Drew_Snydermann]

Who else thought that greenish rectangle was part of the painting, not just dirt?

[@neyphutapie]

Yep, came here to comment this, I thought that was part of the background lol I was shocked when it came off

[@HidingAllTheWay]

The fact that there *is* green background in the painting around the face made it extra confusing.

[@caodesignworks2407]

I didn't as I worked with a lot of old art before and it's a sign this painting was under a mat in a frame at one point in it's life, but I was deeply concerned that the paint layer was forever tarnished from it. Watching it come off like that was so relieving

[@kyratango3800]

Indeed, I think it was part of it, not dirt or aging...😐

[@treytrip8]

@@caodesignworks2407 Yes! I still have the elaborate mat, but it's too damaged and dirty to reuse. I'm just keeping it as part of the painting's history.

[@ianbeex1956]

i used to watch all of ur videos before college, i love them, now i can proudly say that i'm at my fourth year studying restoration! i truly love it and you inspired me to make that decision, thank you

[@feather314]

I am interested in pursuing this as a career too. Do you have any tips or would you be willing to share a little bit about your journey so far so I can have an example of how it might look?

[@ianbeex1956]

@@feather314 sure! i don't know if i have useful tips, but it's important to keep and open mind like, when restoring something or planning a restoration, think more than one solution, make tests before applying the treatments, think what's best for the artwork, and enjoy! it truly is a beautiful career!

[@MsumireStory]

I wish you had been around when I was in college. Though there's not much of the field in my country, I think I would have loved it.

[@blakjak6]

I'm just kind of a blue-collar barbarian so i've got a generally dull eye limited to "O that's nice 8]" when it comes to fine art, wine, music, etc, but as craftsman, i feel so much joy seeing the intricacy of the restoral. At face value, the piece is usually lost on me, but i can deeply resonate with the sadness of a broken thing, the zen of the work to repair, and the joy of seeing it fixed. your videos have been the vehicle that actually helps me appreciate paintings that i would otherwise look right past, thank you so much.

[@jdb101585]

Self awareness is great, but don't limit yourself! Learning the "whys" that exist within an artwork's creation promotes understanding and improving the "whys" that exist in so many other aspects of one's own life.

[@TrabberShir]

How many other people were shocked to see that the dark rectangle was grime and not part of the original painting when he started the cleaning?

[@Stephen_Lafferty]

4:39 - I love seeing Kit cuddling the doggy! :D

[@sarahlogan2075]

Hi, Kit! Great to see you.

[@parkermae]

that was so quick! nice catch

[@Stephen_Lafferty]

@@parkermae Thank you! I thought that other people would like to see it! :D

[@titrimetry]

Thank you! I would have missed this without your comment

[@pyroanimus]

Perfect timing 😃 It's 12:01 (midnight) here, just in time to watch as I fall asleep (then rewatch anything I miss in the morning) 😊 Also wow I had the first comment!

[@TheYakousei]

You said it :D

[@plumbum8284]

Yooo same here

[@marwanmohammad7863]

This is so me rn

[@HenrietteAndersen26]

I know, his voice is SO soothing 😁👍

[@colleenmahony8803]

I started watching Julian's videos while winding down after working the PM (3-11:30) shift. I would get home around 1AM, when everyone else was asleep, and I needed something mellow to relax to. Now, Julian's voice is like Valium to me 😂. I OFTEN have to rewatch the last half of the videos!❤️

[@dancooperish]

I wonder if it's possible to watch these in reverse, to see Julian carefully and painstakingly ruin a beautiful painting.

[@DoctorDetroitNardo]

Watch him just take one of his videos and just run it backwards

[@rachelcarmickle9950]

That sounds like an April Fools Joke. If he did a reverse filmed video with a normal voice over. “I’m taking back all retouching, removing the bridging to expose this tear, adding back on this dirty varnish, adding back this old rabbit skin glue from the back and restoring the rusty tacks…”

[@TwinIonEngines]

It is said that a person has two deaths. Once when they pass away, and again when the last person to remember them is also gone. Thank you for continuing to ensure that, while these people have gone from this world, they continue to live on in our memories and thoughts, and through the appreciation of what they left behind, now preserved to be remembered for decades to come at least. I know it may sound cliché or downright embarrassing, but it brings me immense, emotionally charged, joy knowing these people won't be lost to time yet. Like tears in the rain.

[@deborahdanhauer8525]

I’ve always heard it slightly different. “Your first death is the day your body dies and your second death is the last time someone says your name.” For that reason, if you find yourself in a cemetery, it’s good to speak the names on the stones as you go by.❤️🐝🤗

[@CarolynMcPherson-r3z]

If you create a work of art, or write a poem, short story or book--those are other ways to achieve immortality. And what about being a teacher?

[@FlowersInHisHair]

So nice to hear the client appreciating the result!

[@UsdiCherokee-f2j]

Thanks for sharing. Whoever is reading this comment, I wish you success, health, love and happiness!

[@nballesterob]

Same to you. Greetings from Costa Rica 🇨🇷

[@auntkaz815]

The backstory is everything. Family and childhood memories are priceless. That’s what this painting meant to the owner. I’m so glad you were able to preserve and restore that for him.

[@Skirt553]

I love how even up close, you can't see the damage once it's been retouched. That's the mark of a true expert.

[@zeebee823]

The client saying “I look forward to meeting her when it’s all done” was so cool!!!

[@marthaanderson2656]

I am glad you mentioned the complexity of the background. When we were watching the cleaning I noticed the very slight greenish hue on the right. I started thinking it was some organic residue of the barn environment or an aging effect, but see that it was a way the artist added depth and contrast for the reds and the earring.

[@Koffeinsuechtigi]

This sounds to me like this is a life long dream coming true for this client, I can imagine them looking at the painting in the barn as a kid, liking it and wondering what it would look like if it was complete, then, when circumstances led to it, the painting moved from the barn to them, but the dream remained.. Now they had the financial stability and situation that allowed them to give the painting to someone who would be able to fulfill that long-held dream. It's amazing work that in contexts like these is about so much more than "just" restoring a painting...

[@Fukumen-hamstar]

多分、１回目の投稿からみてます。 絵画の修復に、「和紙」は欠かせない道具ですね。 胸元の肌色、レースの白が出てきた時は感動しました。そして「絶対音感」と同じ様に「絶対色覚」があると毎回思います。たくさんの絵画が生まれ変われますように。😊

[@kingdomfcb11]

So so beautiful the work you did. She will never be forgotten now 😊

[@michaelsims6429]

I was so happy to hear Satie’s Gymnopedies while watching you clean the painting.

[@ChrisMusty]

I know you repeat your methods every episode but I love hearing how its done. Your voice is soothing and I find myself in a position appreciating art I have never even given a second thought about. Thankyou for the awareness and entertainment.

[@anna9072]

Lovely. It may be “advertising art”, but the artist did a superb job of capturing the sense of anticipation and eagerness.

[@arudanel5542]

pretty sure I've seen this picture in some of my Grandfather's old Geographics, way back. That, or one just like it. It was an herb tea brand iirc, but it was over 40 years ago. so.. might be off. Or just a picture very similar to it.

[@sarahleonard7309]

Intellectually, I know it's all solid methodical technique. But emotionally? This is magic!

[@amazinggrace5692]

“Good job, Washi Kozo!” Washi Kozo smiles. 🙂

[@youtubiuttoni]

This is just amazing! I know new and shinny things can be attractive, but please don’t ever stop doing these kind of videos. They are your bread and butter and what brought you here, and we love bread and butter. I could watch hundreds of these and not get tired. Thank you again for all this amazing content. Cheers from Brazil!

[@kimhenry5658]

Also, cheers from Tasmania. 😊

[@sueladybird6923]

And a huge thanks from Far North Queensland too🤗

[@milorbilly]

The retouching is my favourite part since it feels like we're witnessing the painting travelling back in time to look like how it did in the past.

[@DipityS]

I'm so happy this gentleman got to have this connection to his childhood and family and his burgeoning love of art - back whole and so beautifully put together.

[@phyllisstrider2998]

When the client thanked you at the end, I teared up. I just love your videos and can hardly wait for the next one to show up. Thank you for sharing.

[@margaretr5701]

Yes, and I've read two comments here, made by the client.

[@aricar325]

Love your work, and the meditative quality of your videos. As with some other comments below, I found the bookends of client audio clips to be such a lovely addition to the story of this restoration. Cheers!

[@glg6069]

Wow Julian, Your skills are truly incredible-you’re an artist yourself. Aside from your vast knowledge base, your restoration of her face and background using painting techniques is inspiring. You have incredible talent and clearly you’re an artist yourself. I believe also what your client said-his Grandmother would be blown away and this restoration! Well done my friend! This is an incredible example to anyone wanting to learn and understand the art of restoration! Well done!

[@marthaelenariveragarcia5752]

Beautiful restoration!

[@leonloya1180]

Accurate color matching very nice recovery of the missing areas

[@acherongoon]

I found you from the Variety video, but have watched a lot whilst (first relaxing, the faceless painting), but find your verbal tones very relaxing (whilst coding and doing engineering designs), but with these time lapse would like you to show the actual timeframes, I.e. heat bed and environmental adjustment takes in a project, including the retouch. I would love a progress bar showing the time taken. I would also like a short 1-2 min history of the art. You have brought a new recognition of the technicalities of Conservation. THANKS

[@lionandthelamb2907]

Holy flip man. Bravo. Very impressive.

[@colleenmahony8803]

Did anyone ever find out if this WAS advertising art, and what it was advertising? She's beautiful!❤️

[@treytrip8]

I've done a cursory image search on her, but it didn't generate a match. I don't know if she really is advertising art, but she has that look and I'd buy whatever she was advertising! :D

[@damogranheart5521]

​@@treytrip8Well done, ye!

[@stereonacht2247]

If I were to guess, I'd say either a milliner, or the jeweler. Could be some beauty product or medicine, too. If you do an image search for "victorian advertising art", you'll see how disconnected the image can be with the product. The ideas seems to be about attracting the eye with some beautiful picture, then have them read the product's name. I am no fine artist, and I am half-curious about how the initial painting would be turned into an ad. I do know sometimes the ad is painted on the canvas, but would it be possible to reproduce the art and add the advertisement afterward? Without colour photos, was it another artist "dissecting" the art and reproducing it through silk screening or something like that? Anyway. More questions, while I provided no answers.

[@Deaanl1]

Absolutely stunning, she's beautiful

[@blip-2024]

How is it I have watched you restore many many paintings and yet each is as fascinating as the last? Thank you!

[@lorriedmussett4692]

Your addition of the owner at the start and end of this was awesome! If we had just a few more people this happy whether as an owner, viewer or conservator , we'll our world would be a much MUCH happier place. Thx you Julian and the owner for sharing this with us!

[@treytrip8]

I'm the owner and lending my voice was nerve-wracking! BUT, my words are heart-felt and my reaction is in real-time. As soon as I saw her, I recorded! :)

[@memoriam.victoriam]

Hearing the stories behind the paintings just itch my brain I love when the owners have a part in the video

[@heatherh8255]

I absolutely love hearing from the client! It's so cool to get a bit of the paintings history and also their reaction to the conservation! Great work

[@cindyenglert.az51]

Absolutely amazing work!!

[@PETEOU812]

It’s almost like you went back in time and prevented the damage from happening. You’re truly an artist at what you do.

[@ceciliakeller957]

wanted to say thank you - I started a collections internship today and Julien was one of the first people to get me interested in the more "backstage" aspects of art and museum work. I'm so so excited to, all this time later, start working in this wonderful little world!

[@Ritapotter-q7u]

My favorite so far.

[@graphitecore]

erik satie is always the best soundtrack ❤ what a lovely painting!

[@katew3818]

Love having the owners comments at the beginning and end.

[@margaretr5701]

Yes, also in the comments thread.

[@tayrou7395]

Hearing the client story really makes this so much more special

[@ribaldc3998]

I'm always surprised at how vivid the colours, the image, and the composition become.

[@debrarandall6913]

I'm so happy that you included the clients thoughts... She is beautiful. You did a wonderful job!

[@Hidegety1]

Client commentary was a really nice touch. It tightens the loose ends that are almost always there.

[@lightninghmmbug6232]

Half past 3 here in England. Perfect timing to watch with a cup of tea and the rare afternoon sun 🌞

[@heehoopeanut420]

Maybe we should trade, I'm in the southern US and had to have my morning coffee inside because it was already so hot out😂

[@vflytrap7158]

11:45am here in Oakville, Ontario, Canada having a cappuccino beautiful sunny day here, supposed to get up to 30C this afternoon, cheers! ☕️

[@lightninghmmbug6232]

@@heehoopeanut420 I don't know how you guys cope with it over there, 😂 I suppose as AC is a general main stay and you don't have houses built to keep heat in. I'd get used to it as long as I was outside doing something heartfelt. Thank you for your reply 😊

[@lightninghmmbug6232]

@@vflytrap7158 thank you for your reply. I think Canada is more my speed temperature wise. I don't feel the cold so as long as I can bask in the light I'm happy to also enjoy my hoodie. 😊 Greetings from Brighton UK to everyone 😄

[@damogranheart5521]

​@lightninghmmbug6232 I live in Minnesota, and I am happiest when the weather is cooler. It is much easier to do heavy-duty chores or work for longer periods of time. Blessings on you and your endeavors!🫖📚🐈‍⬛🏕🖖

[@jofrazier-hansen4097]

It's amazing how vivid and full of life a painting can become once it's cleaned and restored.

[@merxho95]

This is magnificent Julian its like you are giving these paintings back their old life ❤

[@triplex86]

Yet another magnificent restoration from Julian - truly superb work. And yes, having the client voice a few words at the start and end is a nice touch. Thank you for uploading the video.

[@TheKayc136]

Absolutely amazing! When you were retouching her face it was almost like you were washing white off her face! Revealing a beautiful peach like skin underneath. It was exquisite retouching..as always! You can hear hiw overjoyed your client is. Not only have you restored his painting, it you have restored a precious part of his younger life, including memories of his grandma. You truly are a genius x

[@Stephen_Lafferty]

The quality of your documentary making improves with every episode, Julian! I love the addition of the voice notes from the owner to bookend the video - hearing the emotional impact of your work on them in their response is a perfect ending! I also love the editing styles - jump cuts when you are arranging your cleaning supplies really hit that 'tooling up' moment in action films when you're about to start work! The soft wipes from the start to the final product are always my cue to applaud your excellent efforts :D

[@JH-lo9ut]

Well done! It makes me happy that someone is willing to spend the money on an anonymous painting just because it makes them happy and it has sentimental value to them. It is a nice painting, and even if the artist mass produced these kinds of portraits, it is not without charm and personality. It must be challenging to recreate details like the ear and the eye,when there is so much material missing. I guess you get a feeling for the prticular artist's technique and style, but at a certain point you just have to wing it.

[@Appellonia]

I love when forgotten items have someone save them. Since i was a child, and still today, I cant help but really believe these items smile and say thank you for remembering me. I can just feel it. ❤😊

[@nims1939]

I loved that the owner gave us background story of the painting and how they reacted to being restored. I hope you can have more owners do this. It make the painting change from paint on canvas to something that is real. if that makes senses. ❤

[@EricSwanson-bs1rx]

This man is a living Content Aware Fill. Love watching him fill in paintings. Such skill

[@PK2001X]

Another excellent work!

[@ellieviolet5812]

My favorite thing...watching the damage disappear as you paint over it all 😊

[@nelsoncollier]

I am glad there are people like you in the world.

[@Narrendor]

I LOVE how the client talked about this painting - I can feel the pride and joy in his voice both before and after its restoration. And what a beautiful painting! Lovely work, Julian.

[@patbyrne3076]

These videos are addictive- there is such joy in witnessing the return of a painting’s beauty.

[@angiadcock8196]

No matter how many times I watch you put the canvas back on the stretcher it’s still so satisfying every time.

[@pattimessenger6214]

Another painting restored to its former glory! Great job!

[@nenadonex]

This is the first restoration work I've ever seen, where even on very close inspection the retouched areas are practically invisible. Incredible job and as the owner said a perfect job!

[@Stopthisrightnow560]

Hearing both you and Kit, and then your clients, talk about art is so beautiful. ❤

[@samanthadean1083]

Awesome!!! I love when the clients are involved in the videos!!! ❤️❤️❤️👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@Ohwhale79]

Ooooo, I LOVE the client's narration at the beginning! Nice touch!!!!!!

[@RicksterX-92fs]

That intro was spot on. It was interesting and different. You outdid yourself creating that one. Also outstanding was the restoration. I’d say that ranks high as one of the best transitions and masterful retouching pieces I’ve seen in a while.

[@lindaclose4370]

It is fantastic when you have the owners of the paintings reactions to your brilliant work

[@silvialittlewolf]

That is such a beautiful painting! Whoever the lady was, she was gorgeous!

[@SceneArtisan]

4:39 = Kat hugging dog! I never thought I'd be saying that on a high quality painting restoration video! :D Go Kat! :D

[@ellaisplotting]

Kit.

[@fredadufaur2218]

A joyful journey today, thank you. Like many, loved hearing the owner’s memories and hopes.

[@Margie555]

This was so relaxing, so perfect, so needed today. Please, Julian, never stop making videos like that, if I could give 2 likes, i would.

[@slbarbieri1725]

One of my favorite artists is the french Edwardian era painter, Emile Vernon. And I can't help but see similarities between his work and this painting. So well done and so well conserved!

[@adamchilton6652]

Genuinely some of the best retouching I've ever seen you do Julian. Truly amazing.

[@rickwoman]

It's marvelous how you repainted the picture❤

[@TheArmase]

I absolutely love hearing from the owners. Some of these works of art are like another child to some of these owners. Great to see someone's love get renewed. Will be waiting for your next one!

[@barbaramullin5182]

I love the addition of the client. Another layer to the enjoyment I get watching your videos.

[@Bruuner]

I love that you included the client intro and reaction! So many times I’ve wondered what the client thought when all was said and done.

[@TheKeystoneChannel]

I always love to hear the clients' comment before and after, that makes it even more satisfying, as we already know your magic , Julian, and still love to watch it, it still makes it a nice addition to the results!

[@geniestotz2240]

Love the cleaning process it’s as though the painting was dead and you brought her back to life.

[@partlyironic]

I have been following your channel nearly since the beginning and this is maybe one of your best retouching jobs. just immaculate

[@tongsiewooi1628]

I really enjoy following your restoration efforts - its such high quality work and your clients are so fortunate👍😀

[@robynpitman9605]

Just what I needed after a bad day. Now I know I can get to sleep after watching your video. It calms my anxiety and helps me relax. Thanks Julian 😴

[@daniellehardenberg2745]

The work you do is so incredible. Every work of art an adventure you you us on... You don't just clean and restore, you unveil the soul of the artworks

[@arudanel5542]

Every time Julian takes out that weight, I get a warm feeling. So good to see something a fan made that turned out to be so useful, it's almost as much a part of a Baumgartner video as the table at this point! Job well done!

[@robertoPreusser]

Es ist einfach nur schön zuzusehen wie alte Bilder wieder zum Leben erwachen . Ich als Maler ( canaletto von striesen) bin begeistert und dankbar für seine ganzen Arbeiten

[@AnonYMous-pv3py]

You are exceptionally skilled and you explain your process thoroughly. Even on extreme damage you have a lightness of touch and leave an imperceptible trace.

[@Quidnunc777]

I enjoyed hearing the client’s comments. You can really hear the joy, admiration, and relief in his voice.

[@treytrip8]

YES!!!

[@margaretr5701]

@@treytrip8 I'm very happy this turned out so well.

[@pattyhullen9018]

I like hearing your client tell the story of this piece and I love hearing his comments after completion. Thanks Julian, I truly enjoy your videos, Patricia.

[@Jeff-uy8xg]

Came for the washi kozo, stayed for the amazing craftsmanship!

[@theagemaway]

I really appreciate the addition of the timer in the top left corner. It's interesting to see how long certain steps take! Great job as always!

[@tlemon1950]

Incredible range of skills, thank you

[@graemetimoney7002]

Thanks Julian for letting us watch you bring this beautiful portrait back to life.

[@juliepeterson6639]

I’m crying. I love this, thank you.

[@Splucked]

The client has a fantastic voice.