The Resistor - Part 2

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It may seem like damage to a painting is purely accidental and just part of the life of a given object. But the conspiracy of poor materials, neglectful care and downright bad past conservation shouldn't be dismissed as normal, rather they are arrows shot to the heart of the painting. Yet occasionally a painting just wont yield to that onslaught. That painting is The Resistor.
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[@sonja_jade]

I have a story for you Julian! So I received a 1000 piece puzzle as a Christmas gift, and after I put it together I discovered there were 2 missing pieces. I had been planning on mounting and framing the finished piece, so I was devastated. After scouring the house for the missing bits, I decided to ask myself, "If this were a *painting*, how would Julian fix it?" So I made a tracing of the holes, found a piece of cardboard that was a similar thickness, glued it to posterboard I mounted the rest of the puzzle on, and then layered on some white school glue to even them out. Then I used acrylic paint and applied it with a pointy toothpick, and I was able to successfully blend in my homemade pieces. They're not perfect up close (good color matching, not in details though), but at the right viewing distance, you'd never know it was missing two pieces. Thank you for the lessons, even if I bastardized them in this layman's application!

[@anna_in_aotearoa3166]

Great problem-solving and application of the old principles of "make & mend!" 😊 Maybe it's silly of me given the mass-produced & ephemeral nature of most jigsaw sets, but as a craftsperson, it just makes me really happy that you did that rather than just throwing away the puzzle...?

[@sonja_jade]

@@anna_in_aotearoa3166 oh yes, I kept it, mounted it, and it's hanging on my wall waiting for a frame! I wish I could show you the before and afters, you really can't tell it's missing anything unless the light rakes

[@tinyvanuffelen7918]

Your almost there to apply to work for Julian 😅😅 ! Keep practicing!

[@sannefridolin]

You didn’t use washi kozo?🧐

[@unseelie63]

Good on you!! If I had ten thumbs they'd all be up.Plenty of people would have been satisfied with getting angry,maybe even tossing the puzzle,or contacting the seller and demanding a replacement,but you took a page or two of Julian's book,applied your noggin,and came up with a solution.I'm glad you get to enjoy the results of efforts.Wish I could see it!

[@shanettequao9043]

The removal of the surface grime never gets old. Even though I know it’s the same thing. It still doesn’t detract from how beautiful the paintings truly are under all that dirt

[@CallieMasters5000]

St. Seb was really working a tan there until Julian took him back to pasty white.

[@mariannapuzzles]

It’s my favourite part too!!

[@CorrSave]

For me it's getting the painting on the stretcher. Julian tidying everything up and putting the tacks in to get that straight edge on the folded canvas is always so satisfying.

[@CorrSave]

@Joan In Florida Yes absolutely!

[@anna_in_aotearoa3166]

Seeing these pieces before & after cleaning has really given me a COMPLETELY different perspective on some of the browned, dull smaller 1700s-1800s pieces in our municipal art gallery!! Don't know if budget or donor constraints prevent their being similarly returned to their original glory...? But at least nowadays I know that they weren't just painted in a selection of dull ochres, and instead were actually colourful & interesting! It'd be awesome for the public to be able to see them all professionally stripped of decades of elderly discolored varnish & accumulated grime, and restored to how the artist originally envisioned them.

[@DuneDemon8]

As an artist who is sure none of its work will be worth restoring in the future, sometimes I watch these videos and just daydream one of my painting being cleaned and restored somewhere in the future :D I don't know if I am weird but it is such a honor for your work to be significant enough that someone puts in so much work and dedication.

[@mariawhite7337]

Don't sell yourself out. I found a painting in the shed where I live and the family was just gonna throw it out. I want to get it properly hung up and cleaned. But alas. I am a wage slave.

[@REPORTEVERYLIBERALCOMMENT]

I want to be the type of artist that creates pieces that are most desirable to money laundering types. Keep my art alive for centuries!

[@kathyjohnson2043]

I think that is a good way to think about your work. It is one thing to think that you want fame, but it is a different feeling that your work would be cherished and bring pleasure to someone after you are gone. I feel the same way about music compositions.

[@darkenblade986]

@@mariawhite7337 if they are going to throw it out anyway why not try ur hand at cleaning and hanging. it is much easier than repainting imo.

[@zzzyyyxxx]

You never know. Look at Van Gogh, he had to barter his paintings just to survive and get some food, but now? One of the most celebrated Western artists of all time.

[@pairoleggs]

After watching you for years I finally got the chance to take a conservation class at my college and I jumped at the chance. Only a few projects in and I have so much respect for the amount of patience you have. I find it enjoyable but it is frustrating at times. Thanks for inspiring me to take the class though. I’ve met a lot of great people through it

[@joeb4142]

I can imagine you meeting for coffee after the class, dissecting the latest Baumgartner video.

[@anna_in_aotearoa3166]

That's so cool that you have access to such a great learning experience! I'm curious as to where they source any pieces the students are learning on...? Do they rescue pieces from estate sales or similar, that aren't valued by the original owner's heirs or relatives?

[@pairoleggs]

@@anna_in_aotearoa3166 my school has a big focus on maritime archaeology and it’s an undergrad class so we focus on the basics on material conservation. Right now the big project we get to work on is remains from a shipwreck off the coast of Alabama that were donated to my school because Alabama does not have the specialists that my school does. So we’re cleaning and preserving barrels and an anchor from the shipwreck while also working on smaller materials discovered and testing what conservation process works the best with samples of the woods. Since my school doesn’t have any art conservationists, any students who decide to do their thesis relating to the subject often end up doing internships at museums and archives. The closest we’ve done in the class to art is gluing flower pots with custom designs on them back together and using plaster to fill in the missing pieces. My professor bought us identical garden pots and had us draw a design on them before smashing them and throwing a few pieces away. TL;DR it’s not an art conservation class so I don’t know exactly but my experience with a maritime archaeology focused school is: cheap resources easily found to experiment are great learning tools. Big projects are rare and often on loan!

[@aprilianindy3200]

10:54 Julian casually sliding *smoothly* into our hearts.

[@r.p.mcmurphy6623]

🥱

[@bubblegum_b]

The timing with the «smooth» though!!!

[@soclose2her]

Lmao I know right?? ❤❤❤

[@maddiward7158]

I love how you explain the “why” of everything you do. You’re good at explaining that what you’re doing isn’t just extra work, it actually makes your job easier and is more appropriate than other methods. Thanks for what you do. You’re an example of someone who communicates really clearly!

[@ashleighkennedy1395]

I love how Julien doesn’t think anybody who’s not a conservator doesn’t appreciate the cleanliness of the canvas tacking. Now when I view painting at museum I Can’t help but noticing all aspects not jus the image because of him and his fabulous work

[@jessicametzger4662]

I especially loved seeing the beautiful golden highlights in his hair once cleaned.

[@redwitch12]

That's what jumped out at me as well! The hair seemed beautifully detailed already just as dark brown curls, but seeing the varnish come off and those golden highlights come to life was just stunning.

[@marcusgregoryrichardson22]

I just wanted to jump on before I watch this to say, I really appreciate you doing these videos! You would be genuinely shocked the effect it has on peoples mental health! It’s calm, peaceful and warming to listen to your voice and incredibly satisfying the attention to details you always focus on! You have inspired me to be more focused and structured in my thinking and life!! Biggest love to you, your family and kit 🙏🥰🙌💙

[@amazinggrace5692]

Well said! I concur. Wouldn’t a compilation of his most surprising reveals be amazing? 💕🐝💕

[@kathynay5498]

Well I opened KZbin out of frustration after something upset me. I was so excited to see this video was here. I have now relaxed. Total therapy for me.

[@robynpitman9605]

Every time I see a new video uploaded my day gets instantly better. I swear I jump a little with joy!

[@marcusgregoryrichardson22]

@@amazinggrace5692 agreed!! 🙌🥰🙏

[@marcusgregoryrichardson22]

@@kathynay5498 that’s beautiful, hope you are having a blessed day 🙌🥰🙏

[@graceparker7003]

Stunning. Simply stunning. I agree with the commenters that seeing you remove the surface grim never gets old for me. I practically hold my breath in anticipation of just how beautiful the colors will actually be. I never get tired of hearing your voice overs during the process. Calming, soothing, informational and inspirational. You are a true master of your craft and were that I would ever be so lucky to have a piece of art that needed the touch of such a master as you are, I would definitely be on your doorstep.

[@Digbysexpot]

After spending a week wondering, "What's he going to do about all that fly poop?" I finally have my answer and I can now sleep at night again. 8) Thanks for the excellent video.

[@bmerigan]

Is that really what "fly specks" are?

[@Digbysexpot]

@@bmerigan Yep, “fly specks” is nicer way of saying it.

[@crystall9522]

I am still curious about where this was stored that there would be this many flies.

[@mwater_moon2865]

@@DigbysexpotOdd, we don't have flies, but we do have spiders and other crawilies and I always see it under spider webs, I'd assumed it was from the spiders feeding on flies for the name.... ie. fly specks are spider poop.

[@sunnie734]

​@@mwater_moon2865You don't have flies, but the dots are spider waste made from feeding on... flies?

[@gl15col]

I wish we knew the artist's name, he was really talented. The owners are going to gasp with shock when they see the change in this beautiful piece. Lots of work, but a result that will last for lifetimes.

[@bbipedro506]

The satisfaction to his videos NEVER disappoint

[@deannaday3187]

I always enjoy the close up of cleaning surface grime off the eye area, but the combination of the music and the glint in his eye nearly brought me to tears

[@LyndseyMacPherson]

Upon seeing the restored painting, can't imagine the owners reacting in any way other than with tears, it's so beautiful.

[@madeliefhuynen3186]

I saw the notification of a new video, said baumgartner out loud, and never clicked on a video so fast

[@siwelify]

I always wish I could see the owner's reaction to seeing their restored paintings.

[@ilfardrachadi2318]

This is one job where I'm rather curious how it would look under UV after retouching. Seeing the piece made whole is definitely satisfying, but a little glimpse into just how much work - how many deft little touches - got it there would be informative and satisfying as well in its own way.

[@susiestovell791]

After retouching with (hopefully conservation paints) Under UV the inpainting should appear extremely dark. This feature is really useful especially when you analyze the painting BEFORE any steps to plan your path as it can provide information such as varnish past conservation efforts, pigments, canvas ground etc. The darkness really depends on the age of the inpainting and sometimes it’s invisible because of the varnish. Cant really tell without a cross-section but UV is super common in most conservation labs!

[@ilfardrachadi2318]

@@susiestovell791 Indeed! That's why I was curious as to how it would look after the retouching. With all the little touches this one required, and the objective of those to not be seen, it would be neat to see it under UV and get an idea of just how much work was put into it in that regard. :)

[@1116_6]

You have the perfect voice for narrating audio books, classics especially. I can already picture you reading Jane Austen (if you weren’t so brilliant at restoring art).

[@1116_6]

@Joan In Florida Absolutely!

[@FancyRPGCanada]

If only he listed the songs he used in his videos!!! I need to know what this piano solo is!

[@CallieMasters5000]

Having watched some Antiques Road show episodes where they'd say "It's worth $5,000, but if you spent a couple thousand on restoration it would be worth $10-15,000", I always thought this was nuts. How could expensive restoration be worth it to make so much difference?! Then I saw your videos and now I understand exactly what they're saying.

[@jaredtrp]

I see you, hidden Kit, retouching the other painting at 16:30. 🧐

[@RickSFfan]

Thanks for catching that. I hope she is doing okay.

[@ori0n821]

The audible noises of excitement I make every time a new video is uploaded are unmatched.

[@AvalonDreamz]

When you removed the old varnish from his eye I really found myself shocked by the subtle highlights that had been placed just around it that had been covered for so many years under darkness. Those small touches made such a difference. It's moments like that I love the most about your work.

[@rc31802]

The color reveal of this painting is incredible

[@wallyshedd3157]

This is one of the more dramatic transformations through restoration that you have on your channel. Bravo! 👏

[@NathaliaCheyenne]

The amount of serotonin I just got from you posting shows how boring I am. And I love it.

[@tarnr5713]

This channel has become my absolute favourite way to unwind at the end of the week. Sit in my favourite armchair with my latest crochet project and a glass of wine and just lax out to Julians gentle voice and watch these wonderful paintings come to life ..... bliss :)

[@Julianna9845]

I just want to say that, what you do as a conservator is amazing. Not only that, you should be praised for the fantastic work you do with your videos too. The camera work, narration and editing is several steps above the rest. It is one of the main reasons I love watching your streams. You display a huge amount of attention to detail not only in conservation, but in your videos as well. Thanks for all you do. Until the next one.

[@hushingsilence]

Whoa. The last time I saw that many flyspecks was on the windows of a dairy farm. Where the heck has this painting been hung in the past? Makes one wonder! 🤔

[@macaronitony93]

the TENSION i felt at 16:02 watching your apron get closer and closer to the edge of the painting hoping it didnt scrape against it 😭 beautiful as usual!!

[@JoannaChojnacka]

This video has my absolutely favourite thing in Julian's videos: when he explains what he's doing and then we get a timelapse with music. Just love it! Absolutely mesmerizing.

[@tinlizzie]

The weeks of work have shown themselves to be well worth your efforts. Having the ability to "know" how it should look is amazing.

[@rika8484]

Hey, I want to thank you for that thing you sometimes say about starting the retouching with low-hanging fruit/easy wins. I'm about 6 months into a new job, and when I'm feeling overwhelmed or losing confidence, I remember what you said and I put the difficult tasks to the side in favor of some easy wins. I can come back to the tricky ones tomorrow and ask for help if I'm still struggling, but going for those easy wins keeps me from feeling paralyzed and helpless in the meantime.

[@CallieMasters5000]

I like the idea of the isolation layer as "Oh, you think you can do better? Go ahead, wipe away what I retouched and see what you can do!"

[@adstoop7885]

I would like to see the reaction of your clients upon receiving the restored work. My reaction is just WOW. Kind regards from the Netherlands.

[@TurkeyJoe]

I am someone with a degree of anxiety, that appreciates watching someone with passion and skill perform their work. Not only is it a pleasure to watch you restore these paintings, your presentation is an art in itself. So cathartic and satisfying. Wonderful job sir :)

[@MrTingeltangelbob]

For some reason I can't look at the replies under the comments. Can anyone tell me what the score at 3:21 is? I need to know, this is so beautiful

[@furrymessiah]

It's gotten to the point, after watching so many of these videos, that I feel an acute pain whenever I watch something like Antiques Roadshow and they appraise a dirty painting.

[@ironmaiden1427]

Hey I've been watching a few of these videos and the song while he's getting rid of the old varnish has become my new passion, do anyone has the name of it ? It starts at 3:23

[@Stephen_Lafferty]

Incredible to condense so much detailed work in to such a short video, and to have that video become an illuminating documentary that stands proud in your catalogue! Thank you again for sharing your wonderful work with us, Julian!

[@scottmay1966]

You returned the dignity of the artwork back from the abyss. You are truly a gifted conservator and a man of integrity. Wonderful job!! Bravo 👏👏👏 👏👏

[@Arvidus89]

Just the thought of having to scrape off all those countless fly specs by hand... Of course this painting is a depiction of a saint; For you must truly have the patience of one for such an ordeal.

[@Quickened1]

Always a pleasure watching these... Hardest part is waiting for your next "masterpiece"!

[@axisdoesart4721]

Still love the sugar pine stretchers he uses! We love an ethically sourced and fast growing wood.

[@lisahamlin9733]

Does anyone know what song is playing during the cleaning/retouching process? While I've always enjoyed the music chosen for ambiance, this one for some reason this one just hit me. I fell in love with it right away and knew that this was one that I wanted to listen to outside of the video.

[@KINGIBEXX]

I agree completely. That song just hit me like a train. It was so perfect. It was a bold choice! I want this song to listen to by itself.

[@joeb4142]

Mice on Venus by Torby Brand.

[@samuzamu]

@@joeb4142 I don't think that's the correct song. I agree with previous posters, it's a very catching song. Does anyone know what the instumentation is? Or is it elecronic? The main instrument sounds a bit like a celesta but not quite.

[@MrTingeltangelbob]

shazam will always give me a different result :D Somebody HAS to know that song

[@jaeha7886]

I also tried to find it, but nothing came up yet. Fingers crossed someone will tell us one day :D

[@kerorose1]

the music in this video was great! i feel like i've noticed how good the audio is in a lot of your recent videos :D

[@Lumimyrsky]

Woah! WHAT is that amazing painting to the left side @ 10:27 ? The black and white one 😲😲😍

[@eriksandberg4440]

I am sure someone else has mentioned it, but just in case... St. Sebastian was given a new lease on life. He did not die from the arrows . He was left for dead, found and restored to health by Irene of Rome. Later he was beaten to death.

[@Reb0rta]

everytime i get your notification i am filled with joy! your work is amazing and such a pleasure to watch!

[@Lia57770]

julian when im having trouble sleeping at night i just watch ur videos and the next morning.. my phone always end up behind my back. i dont know why i dont feel sleepy - i just out - gone. thnks julian for always being there when i cant sleep

[@WudEvZ]

3:37 awesome thank you so much for including this song🎉🎉🎉

[@pame-chanmt7384]

Hi!! Hope you're doing great! Could you please tell me the name of this song? Please, I love the song so much!!

[@Pizzpott]

Wow! removing those fly-specs in analogous to the first guy with the shovel standing at the bottom of the gorge where the Hoover Dam was to be constructed, and saying to himself "OK, I think I'll start here." Brilliant as always, thank you again for your content, it is amazing.

[@kaocazbaubo]

I watched a video on another painting restoration channel and kept finding myself saying "That's not how Julian would do it!", or " He doesn't have a heat table like Julian does". Julian, you have spoiled us to your methods and to your voice.

[@truckerswife5060]

One master working to save another master's work. Thank you.

[@lushpaw1]

such a huge difference from start to finish.. its restorations like these that truly make you an artist in your own right.

[@RobertJonesWightpaint]

There IS life after death! For paintings fortunate enough to come your way, anyway. A grisly subject, but it was beautifully painted - and now we can all see that it was.

[@feralbluee]

surprising to self - when you finally got rid of that black spot on his nose, i literally sighed in relief. so thank you so much for showing that bit :) removing those darn things is such minuscule work and so important - you do an incredible job with them! 🌷🌱

[@skwervin1]

Watching the curls in his hair shine forth, the richness and shine of his eye... thank you Julian.

[@heartwormskillcats8357]

Watching these videos is like going away on a majestic journey.

[@angelique_cs]

I too am overfilled, over painted, and fly specked. Somebody get the solution and dull scalpels!

[@Quickened1]

Here, let me scrape that off your face... MAKEUP!

[@mcsweetlovin6549]

I watch his videos to fall asleep. By far the best way to get a full night's rest. I'm on my third time watching, still have not made it to the end. Thank you Mr. Sandman, please don't stop making these masterful videos.

[@AcornFox7]

One of the things I enjoy the most about watching your mesmerising expertise is the way you work *with*, rather than just on, the painting. Applying your skills in myriad ways to revive, rescue and rejuvenate each individual piece of art. Absolutely amazing.

[@maryvallas772]

I am always amazed! I mean... I really shouldn't be after all this time, but... I am! Bravo!!! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@fldrmaus]

I'd love to know what kind of solvents you are evaluating when it comes to removing the surface grime and varnish. You are so transparent and educational when it comes to the other materials you are using, so I'm hoping to learn from you in that regard too! Thanks for all the great work you do!

[@littlebacchus216]

Most restorers keep their mixes close to their heart and tend to only share to help out another restorer in trouble. Most are simple alcohols or even detergents to remove grime like cigarette smoke and oils but for vanish a mix of Dichloromethane (DCM) is used. The true talent comes from the ratios they are mixed.

[@skwervin1]

@@littlebacchus216 you have to be careful with some of those organic solvents - I spent many years working in laboratories analysing food and DCM was one we used to extract pesticides from fruit, vegetables, meat, soil etc. Its also a known carcinogen and can cause spinal birth defects so you have to be extremely careful handling it and it and its friends are often also flammable.

[@littlebacchus216]

@@skwervin1 Very true. I remember it was in paint stripper but banned most places for domestic / public use. As you know DCM is very potent so is used in very low concentrations in restoration.

[@kudo7821]

New Baumgartner video on my birthday is excellent.

[@blueegg713]

Happy birthday!

[@kudo7821]

@@blueegg713 thank you!

[@mariAAAAAA_r]

Thank you, once again, for all the effort to make this!

[@discovery2727]

I love to see every little detail you are doing while you work on this paintings!

[@TerryMazerolle]

I love this. Thank you for your entire channel, it’s soothing, entertaining and lovely.

[@travisolander4749]

This is your best work yet. Unbelievable transformation. Brava.

[@DrWakey]

Mr. Baumgartner, you are the Bob Ross of restorators! I often watch your videos before going to sleep, and your narration and the joy of beeing able to watch your excellent craftmansship brings peace of mind to me. I would have never thought something like this might happen 20 years ago - what a time to be alive!

[@cheesybeans1408]

The blend was fantastic! Awesome work, as usual.

[@MichaelMcShane-ez3yy]

What a pleasure it is to watch you and your craft. Thank you.

[@graemetimoney7002]

Thanks again Julian for another engrossing and deeply satisfying video. Your attention to detail and standard of work is always of the highest calibre, and Monday afternoons are always more enjoyable if my inbox has your latest masterpiece to watch.

[@copyrightshouldart]

Wow, what a change! Fantastic work Julian, you did it again!!!

[@bluewateritineratetravel]

Holy cow ! You do such amazing work . What a gift . ❤️

[@philipfell4292]

Wow… what a change in the sky colors…. Love watching these videos- totally relaxing

[@Excitable67]

What a transformation! Your hard work really paid off!

[@eostreegg]

I watch these with my 8yo, who loves it best when a painting is challenging. We appreciate the time and talent that goes into the restoration and into making these videos.

[@phoenix3754]

This was simply beautiful. So beautiful!

[@danaondrackova3431]

how, after so many years, you still make me entertained, interested and happy to see your videos and your amazing work, teaching while entertaining me. I adore your videos

[@LadyArseling]

Love this painting. The movement and moodiness 🖤 TFS! Top notch restoration as usual 🏹

[@davidhuth5659]

Brilliant work! You really gave this painting what it deserves and sharing that process with all of us is greatly appreciated!

[@spongebobsqueeze]

I just love seeing these paintings look as close to the way they looked when first painted as you can get them. Its like having my own art time machine and stepping out and into the past as it really once was. Thank you.

[@emmabroughton2039]

Thank you for another wonderful video, Julian, and thank you to the owner for allowing us to enjoy their painting.

[@coralgonzalez8659]

Beautiful painting!. Great work as always. Thank you for sharing.

[@0cer0]

The ending literally moved me to tears. Great narration, great and exemplary approach to work. You are an inspiration.

[@charwells3243]

Another great reveal, I am always suprised by how bright some of these paintings become. Thankyou

[@Cookie0fPower]

Stunning work. Stunning painting.

[@deborahdanhauer8525]

Wow! What a beautiful painting and what outstanding work you do.❤️🤗🐝

[@kathrynpupos9103]

Excellent! I so enjoy watching the transformation of forgotten and abused paintings have a rebirth.

[@thepagan5432]

A beautiful and compassionate restoration. Thank you for posting.

[@pamelapilling6996]

Thank you, Julien. Another amazing restoration. 👏

[@daphnelee4659]

Another AMAZING project! What a beautiful masterpiece!!

[@luckydude4506]

Yet another complete effort and beautiful result.

[@DJTheMetalheadMercenary]

That retouching looks fantastic!!! Another job masterfully done, wonderful.

[@milanfanas]

The result on the seam is astonishing. It blended so smoothly.

[@sheilacasper2030]

Wow! That is beautiful. It must be so satisfying to make such a difference. Bravo!

[@jilldavies7094]

Another superb restoration. Thank you, Julian, for the hours of pleasure your videos have given me.

[@insigniatitanium]

I think it would be interesting to see a painting that has had good restoration done over the years and just needs to be maintained. Seeing what the process looks like would be a nice change

[@MarekKali]

Amazing work that you do. Never fails to entertain . I'm always mesmerised and glued to the screen. Thank you