Beauty and Brawn Part 2
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- Опубліковано 23 січ 2025
- A beautiful and composed dancer, delicately painted by a skilled artist. A picture of poise, yet behind the canvas lies another story. One that speaks to the duality of the sitter and the painting writ large.
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One thing really struck me - you said you asked for Kit’s opinion. Valuing the fact an apprentice comes with expertise and knowledge and showing you appreciate Kit’s perspective is such a great sign of a quality teacher. She has lots to learn but also lots she brings.
Couldn't agree more... especially in something like conservation where you're looking for the _best_ solution, not the textbook answer. You never know what pearls of wisdom someone might have from a completely different area of knowledge... and it's incredibly empowering to students when their instructor or mentor values their opinions.
RULE TWO: General duties of a student - pull everything out of your teacher; pull everything out of your fellow students.
RULE THREE: General duties of a teacher - pull everything out of your students.
Lol, why wouldn't he ask? She's not stupid, he's not either. If anyone with common sense would be around, he'd probably ask him too.
@@MescherjeAs a tradie I worked as an apprentice for 4 years so I know this from first hand experience, its because a lot of Journeyman tend to operate under the "Apprentices are made to be seen not heard" line of thought. So asking and valuing the opinions of one such person is actually kind of a big deal.
This painting is the equivalent of the swan on the lake -- all calm and serene on the surface but paddling like crazy underneath - Great job guys
Also has a really fucked up neck
Like a swan on a lake
It really doesn't matter how many times I watch you remove old varnish and grime from a painting I always find myself gasping as the artist's original vision is once more revealed. These moments are truly the most exciting experiences on UA-cam. Thank you.
i’m so glad i’m not the only one😅 just seeing the true color and texture is always so breathtaking 🥹
Totally agree 100% ... was just about to say the same thing ...til l saw your comment😊
When he started the cleaning on the arms I was totally shocked
Idk i feel like this guy planned for the varnish yellowing, because i think her skin looks more natural with it. The dress looks better without
The different levels of fluorescence makes me wonder if this painting was a work in progress for a really long time. Like the artist put down most of the figure and the outfit and then got... stuck, perhaps. The thick, built up layers of paint makes me wonder if the artist changed their mind several times until the image was built up into what they wanted. One thing is for sure, this painting has had a journey of a life!
I was thinking the exact same thing!
I thought the blacklight would reveal the head to be overpainted. I like the idea that the head/neck/upper chest might not have been part of the original composition as that might explain the very elongated neck. I guess another possibility might be that the canvas had been prepared for a generic female portrait and the head was only added after a customer had been found.
I agree, Michelle. This is also a better explanation than penny-pinching for the patchwork of canvas strips, as if this was a work in progress for a long time, the artist may well have decided to add extra content to the edges of the piece mid-composition.
@@iphistelethousas9738 i think another possibility is, that the artists set of paints is just the same kind of patchwork collection as the canvas used. It may all be oil paint, but different ages, different makers, whatever.
@@alexanderkupke920 - I can't help but wonder if maybe the subject had some slight vitiligo. But it's really hard to tell.
when he removed the old varnish and exposed the real color of her skin and dress, that was such a "holy shit, *that* was hiding underneath there??" moment for me lol
Truly amazing. Especially her arm.
I thought he must've fucked up cause the skin on her neck and face was so white lol.
There are faces on her bodice...
yeah honestly for me I liked how it looked with the old varnish. it smoothed out and blended in the color better imo and when he removed the varnish it just didn't look right to me. To me there is way to much white in the skin tones and like he mentioned the arms just didn't match the color of her chest, neck and face.
Damn Julian, seeing your video production quality increase over the last 3 years to culminate in this has been awesome.
Great work sir.
Culminate? He's not quitting.
@@bob-ny6kn I dont think he implied that. I think the commenter meant culminating to the point where Julian feels he has such a grasp on the skill he can teach someone else. Of course we all know Julian will ALWAYS be learning more, but taking on an apprentice is an impressive and difficult undertaking.
Oh goodness it makes me hope he gets his own show! It'd be timeless 😌
sycophantic turd
@@DrWhom would it be better if he was a troll? Why insult someone who is giving a compliment?
Just take your pretty words and keep them in your head next time. It's killing the mood.
This channel beautifully demonstrates that paintings with patina due to soot and grime, though elegant in their own way, aren’t meant to be viewed as is. It is exciting to see the difference, after cleaning, and appreciate the beauty behind the mask of age.
I absolutely adore seeing people talk about ballet and dancers- it's fascinating to me as a dancer to see the outside perspective, epsecially in fine art. It's not entirely uncommon to see romanticized ballet dancers in paintings, (read: Degas- it's always Degas) but it's always more interesting for me to see paintings like this one where what I think of as the "ballet paradox" is shown as well. Beauty vs. Brawn, the awkwardness, the anatomical impossibility of the lines we hope to achieve as dancers. Can't wait to see this painting restored to its full potential!
We seem to have spotted the same thing within a minute of each other, sadly I am not a dancer.... and enough said on that! She looks like one of the willis in Giselles to me.
I feel the ballet life is almost cruel for dancers, but they go into it willingly, so I can't say they ought not to. It is beautiful, but the pain inflicted makes me question if it's worth it.
Now, that is interesting. The reason I have always LOVED Degas's ballet paintings and studies is for that very reason -- the dancers look exhausted, a bit sweaty, taking off a ballet shoe after rehearsing or performing SO hard is exhausting. Degas was the first to show the nit and grit of it all.
@@OdeInWessex In reference to the restorers' slight disappointment with the dancer's costume colors and confusion about skin tones, and to yours: she could be like a Willi from Giselle. I think the painter's intentions were clear. My best guess is that the dancer is wearing a costume from a specific iconic ballet and that the overall colors are meant to reflect that. The dancer's costume is more within the earthly realm with it's greens and browns, however she is looking up to the spiritual "white realm." It is reflecting down upon her. She hasn't transitioned there yet. A ballet costume historian would be able to place this painting within its correct context.
@@plainegrace5712 oh absolutely! But there's also a dream-like effect looking at his work, at least for me, (perhaps just the nature of his style) that made even those moments seem romantic/idealized, especially as a young child/dancer. It's all in the Interpretations, which I adore!
The change in skin tones from dirty to clean was unbelievable.
I'm still confused about the choice to have part of her skin bright white/ pink and part yellowish. Would love to know more about the history of the painting
@@Twielyeght Tbh, I'm like that - having a lot of pink tones in my face, but being overall yellow in my undertones. The difference is not as prominent on me though, perhaps because I'm not quite that fair skinned. But it is a difference immediately apparent if you see my face. I wonder if this dancer was similar to me in this regard.
Amazing as always. For those curious, that was Debussy Estampes No 1. Pagodes
I was wondering about that, thank you! Vibrant music for a vibrant painting
Thanks!
Thank you, I was curious
These videos are better than therapy for me, I akin myself to these paintings and watching all the broken peices and past mistakes be removed and rightfully corrected is an astoundingly profound process, I cannot tell you how many times I have cried while watching these, Thank you for sharing these beautiful masterpieces and restoring them to their former glory ❤
I like this perspective.
I remember you and Kat were talking about how perfect but not perfect she is... her anatomy is exaggerated in places but it just works for the image as a whole. Combined with the masterful understanding of color theory, I think she's Imperfectly Perfect. Or Perfectly Imperfect? She's powerful, and beautiful, and you did a wonderful job bringing her back to her full glory.
If she was perfectly perfect the painting would not be nearly as interesting.
as an artist, i concur. it is such a hilariously accurate depiction of the journey to art, especially anything you want to call a masterwork. composed, complete, well-executed finished product. and behind it: ABSOLUTELY THE WILDEST, MOST ABSURD SHENANIGANS OF ALL TIME.
it's why i like to leave my sketches in where i can bc i need people to know that i finished this piece by drawing 12 PAGES OF JUST EYES and yes, i haven't slept before 3am in 2 years, thanks for asking.
I was quite surprised and maybe even a little disappointed to see how pale her skin was after the cleaning. Similar to what Kit described, I expected more vibrancy in the colors, especially her skin and dress. That being said, it is a lovely painting. Also,I love the interaction between you and Kit. She is such a great addition to your studio and your videos. 👍🏾❤️
This might be the only time I've preferred the dirty version to the clean version. She's way too pale.
I think you missed the point. The vibrancy belongs to the dancer, not the stage dressing or costumes; the powerful colors hidden in the delicacy of her skin tones.
@@annettemccoy7476 I don't think it was a point to be missed per se. As with all art it is subjective to the viewer. I understand what the artist was trying to convey in the pose as well as their use of color,however to my eye the pale colors are not as pleasing as a more saturated pallette.
@@JenniferIngrey nope
@@JenniferIngrey I feel the same, and especially with the blotchyness it feels like it the really white parts maybe during a previous conservation they cleaned to much, stripping some of the paint
Theatres used to be lit using candles so to the artist they would have cast exactly that glow of yellow light on Tulle. So beautiful and realistic. 😍
This was my thought exactly! A painting like this would have been majestic under flickering candle or oil lamp light as it likely would've been viewed
The cleaning of any painting is the most exciting part to me.
This is truly the mullet of paintings. Instead of business in the front and party in the back, it’s elegance in the front and chaos in the back. Definitely love it
I don't know anything about restoration (other than seen here 🤣) and I'm not a big art guy. But what Julian and Kit present here, always heals my soul. Thank you ❤
Well said.
I really like Kit, I hope she sticks around.
Julian, have you ever thought about doing an episode or two about restorations from your perspective?
I remember there was some commotion around Who's afraid of red, yellow and blue.
The Mona Lisa needs to be restored, I know it can't, because she's too fragile, but I'd love to know more about it.
There have been several botched restorations of religious paintings.
I've always heard about these cases, but never from an art restorers view.
The original was quiet and subdued, drowned underneath the patina and old varnish. Lost in a mire of green haze. You have brought this piece back to life. We can now see all the colors of her dress, the intensity of her gaze, the delicate strength of her arms. She HAS become more vibrant- in her own subtle, elegant way. Bravo!
Restoring a PAINTING, not just the IMAGE. A good thing to remember. Helping the whole.
I feel like everyone who has ever advocated for keeping discolored varnish needs to watch this video, bc damn. The amount of life and light that was brought back into this painting in just the skirt alone is breathtaking
Always a thrill to see the original revealed from under all the grime and discolored varnish. Love this channel.
Someone had mentioned this channel on another site a few weeks ago. I'm now hooked. Mesmerized? Fascinated? Both? Great content.
Welcome to the party, there's only one rule, tacks are superior to staples
@@zlatan_2197😄👌🎯
Welcome to the club!
@@zlatan_2197 Don't forget reversible pigments and NO RABBIT GLUE!
i wonder if the artist considered the yellowing of the varnish over time to pull the painting together. SO want to xray the painting to see what layers might be there. This artist has such a different way of construction not only the art, but the canvas.
It's like someone turned the light on, seeing the before and after shots. Also, Kit's Bob Ross pin is *chef's kiss* worthy! :)
The varnish removal gets me EVERY time! I never think it's going to be as dramatic of a reveal as it is, then BAM! All that beautiful color is uncovered.
I actually really like the dichotomy of the elegant pose combined with the absolute chaos it was painted on. Maybe I'm just romanticizing but perhaps it says something about the mindset of the artist? Really impressed with the colors of the face. I can see the same when I'm painting a portrait but it's daring to use colors like that and hard to get right without it becoming overpowering and gaudy. Whoever painted her really knew what they were doing.
Lovely result as always.
Not only is the palette absolutely stunning and bold, but the painting down to the brushstrokes feels so alive. This artist was really a master of what they were doing! Makes me want to start painting again!
Extraordinary painting and renovation. We have no idea who the artist is? I find that sad. Are there any avenues to go down that could uncover who the artist is or does it look like it will be a mystery forever? Once again thank you for sharing your talent with us.
Yes, I was wondering the same thing.
It was good that you and Kit had that last look at the painting, you never know what you might miss. It was also a relief that the arm didn’t have overpaint which integrated into the original. It’s such a beautiful painting 🖼❤
Just remarkable work, from both the artist and the conservators!
I have never seen a painting that felt so true to me, I can imagine he clearly walking threw halls, everyone turning there head to watch her pass. To me she's silent, yet completely unstoppable. Like a genital rain. Every flaw burrowing itself into your mind and making her so much more beautiful because of it
I can imagine the canvases of other artworks cut up and made into something so much more, I think of her as patchwork girl
She isn’t wearing a bright white dress, but I think the golden look of the all colors in the dress is really interesting! It’s a unique style that characterizes the art and the artist well. Amazing process, thank you for making this video :)
I still can't get over how MY eyes play tricks on me when the painting is getting cleaned, at first, it's all so uniform when he uncovered her arm, I was SURE he just lost paint because it's so damned BRIGHT... then my brain makes the conversion and I realized... that was ALL GRIME and what once looked like a perfectly acceptable painting became kind of disgusting to look at... the skin looks incredible.... all those shades... the strokes, the composition, it's outstanding how much I've come to appreciate this art with your explanations and seeing it from your perspective even if I can't exactly grasp it and put it into words myself.
AND THE CRACK ON HER FACE, I swear i thought it was a hair or something, it was so disruptive I wanted to stretch out and pull the hair from the painting... I absolutely get what you mean when talking about it.
Thanks again for these videos, they make me appreciate art so much more.
I just can't get over the face in that portrait. Such a compelling posture and expression and seeing the beautiful detailing in the colouration makes it all the more.
Would really love to know more about the artist.
I really love your work, I always excited to watch your videos since 2 years ago, thank you Sir for your videos
This has got to be my all time favorite painting you've worked on on this channel. The patchwork canvas, the incredible pose and impasto, and the colours! Everything about it is truly a work of art.
The the face was painted with such mastery, that I wonder if the arms were painted by someone else!
Julian used to mention that sometimes people worry that removing the old varnish will strip away its character. This was the first time I've understood their position! I gasped when he revealed the stark white arm that almost looked like it was wearing a gauzy sleeve compared to the tanned other arm and hands. It made me wonder if the artist intentionally used tinting in the varnish to unify the skin tone. I'm sure JB has a much better view of the situation in person, but I just thought it was so strange the ballerina had a one armed trucker tan!
It’s an interesting thought, but I don’t think most artists intended the yellowing effect.
Exactly my thoughts!
I too believe the yellow haze is intentional for a realistic complexion. Otherwise the tone really is too white.
That is exactly was I was thinking too. I understand the necessity of conserving the painting, but I liked the look of the painting better with the yellow varnish.
@@mahnoorzahid149 Historically a very light skintone was desirable so it's not too light for those standards
@@jwhite-1471 As I understand the comment, or at least, as I see it, its not about her being so pale white - but about the fact that she isn't all the way. I really find the change of skin tone on the arm and cleavage very distracting. "Trucker arm" actually is the perfect description :-D
Her right arm and shoulder don't look like they belong to her at all and that was less obvious with the yellowed varnish.
It really does look like overpaint, mixed to fit an already yellowed varnish - I trust Julian if he says it's not, but even so it looks strange and to me at least is very distracting.
I've had a really tough day. This date, historically, is always a bad one for me, and then the day itself was just crummy. This video just did something to me tonight. Between the beautiful music while the varnish was removed, which was so calming and satisfying, to the final reveal at the end. It's got me emotional, and that was really unexpected. But I guess that's the beauty of art. It's there to speak emotion into you when you least expect it, or most need it.
I am always thrilled when the next video comes out. Each time is as though Julian releases the butterfly from the chrysalis. First first “favourite” is the cleaning process when the original vibrant colours are revealed. The second favourite occurs when Julian does the touch up painting which ends up just becoming invisible. Julian’s sense of colour is impeccable. Always anticipating the next … .!
The combination of the classical music and the time lapse of you cleaning this work of art was perfect, and oddly emotional.
By removing the yellowed varnish, she turned from a sun-tanned Californian, into an Alabaster skinned - swan. Thanks for the video. Jon
The yellow colour is a transposition of "Limelight", a kind of electric light used in theaters around 1920. The face is white due to another type of light projected on the dancer. There is no mistake.
Good to know I'm not the only messy artist painting on whatever surface stitched together and giving future conservators headaches
I love hearing Kit's input on the paintings and what they discover during the restoration process. It really adds a lot to these videos.
Yes! I love that Kit has become a regular feature on the channel
I think this is the first time i have preferred the old yellow vanish to when it was removed
Looks like a Sorolla portrait with so much color and impasto. Beautiful work, and I love the Debussy.
I was also expecting more of a white dress! Even so, the cleaning really helped this painting shine.
The timer on the time-lapsed cleaning section is a really nice touch. Always appreciate your thoughtfulness with regards to production quality!
During ww 2 a lot of artists had to use what they did have, make do and mend. I have painting made by an artist friend of my father ,who was also an artist. This was in the netherlands. Love your videos.❤
This was the most bizarre case to date! Cobbled together canvas and alterations, in both directions, of the stretcher!!!
Overall, amazing job Julian!!! ❤️❤️❤️👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Your content is fantastic; I love the insight, the craftsmanship, the drama and the relationship with Kit as she trains.
Seeing those blues and pinks appear on her skin was like magic as you removed the varnish!
I loved watching this entire process. Listening to you and Kit discussing the near impossibility of the lines of the pose the dancer has. The tones and the colors that were present as I watched you clean it. I have never seen an artist use such a large pallet of colors for a painting. And following your commentary about the coloring of her skin, on her face, her eyebrows. I just kept looking deeper and deeper into the painting. Totally in awe on this one. Beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
She is so lovely! I wish we knew more about her and the artist. As usual, you did a masterful job.
That was such a beautiful painting.
I love watching the conservation of these paintings. It's a beautiful thing. I watch the videos when they come out, then I listen to them at night to go to sleep. 💜
Her eyes, including the greenish eyebrows, are magical. Thank you.
Seeing the difference in all of the work that had to be done on the back compared to how little had to be done to the front of this painting is mind boggling 😂
I always look forward to Julian’s uploads. I remember when we had to wait around 8pm, UK time. The few hours make a difference!
This channel and Primitive Technology are the only channels that I jump in excitement for when I see a new video.
My heart picked up when the music did, and again when we zoomed in on her face... She's lovely. What a lovely painting
I think this might be my favorite out of all the paintings you worked on so far, she looks absolutely beautiful!
What an adventure of discoveries with this restoration! I'm glad to see the UV as I wondered about some of the artist's pigment choices in her arms especially. I agree with Kit - our lovely ballerina should be put on a glass wall so viewers can see both sides! Thank you, as always, for taking us along on your journeys. I miss painting very much and your channel gives me such joy. 💝
The cleaning made her rise up; ascend! Lovely music too! As always, a phenomenal job
She is stunning and I think the artist had a spark of genius with their colour choices. Thank you Julian, and thank you to her owner for sharing her with us. ❤
I absolutely love the subtle rainbow colors of her dress, the bodice especially!! The entire painting makes use of some refreshing color combinations, but the dress reminds me of one of those shimmery holographic dresses that a Disney Princess would wear in a final ballroom dance scene!!
Her dress is so beautiful the ability of the artist to create such a sheen is amazing. I can't begin to understand what or how the artist did what they did but the results are amazing.
that is correct - you can't
I'm so glad you retouched those cracks on her face. I thought at first the painted had painted stray hairs over her face and it was really distracting. It looks so much better now.
She was unspeakably beautiful. But my neck still hurts from looking at her! Great work!
This is the first episode I’ve watched with your apprentice and I think your guys’ conversation adds a lot to the video.
I think preserving the patchwork of the canvas is important because it tells the story of the artist and the work. Erasing that would be taking away a part of the original. Absolutely the right call.
To me, this painting was amazingly beutiful. Seeing the old varnish being removed was a magical experience. The colors used on the face alone blows my mind.
As I was watching I kept trying to blow the hairs on my computer screen. So glad you explained it was cracks in the painting. What a beautiful woman and a beautiful painting.
I found myself tearing up at the sheer beauty of this work. Loved the thoughtful music choice as well. This restoration was a lovely ballet of its own. Much respect!
As you cleaned the painting, it looked like the cloth was satin, and the skin was almost glowing in places, in a similar way. Briefly. Very cool. Thank you for your work, this is fascinating!
It’s so beautiful. I cried. Thank you.
What a treat - Julian has uploaded another video. The cleaning sequences never fail to delight me. It must be so satisfying for you to slowly reveal the beauty hidden by decades of grime. Thanks for uploading.
The thing that amazes me on this piece is the fact that the artist color use. Like really rare to see a portrait painting where a hint of blue, green, yellow or any other color is used to render a skin tone. The artist's bold color palette is amazing.
His tacking process on the back is sooooo satisfying. Nice and clean. Best part of every video
This apprentice has the same beautiful colouring in her face as the girl in the painting. Beautiful eyes and delicate skin tones.
This is the first time I prefer the colours from before the cleaning.
That overhead time-lapse is just fabulous!! Please do this for all paintings and show the full process. It was soooooo amazing (and satisfying)!!!
Thank you thank you thank you. This channel helps me sleep. Tossing and turning till 3 am. Pop Julian on, and I'm out.
I'm still going to have to watch this video again because I don't want to miss the content, but thank you Julian for everything you do ❤️
I could watch you clean off old varnish for hours. This painting turned out really pretty and it would be so cool to learn the story of why it was done on the "scrap" canvas.
Think this might be first time I've left a comment, though am addicted to you content,work and the process of transformation. I've been quietly collecting paintings & pictures for some 45+ years now & have a collection of about 1000 pieces - some 3,000 if I include 3D,textile & photographic works.
This painting fascinated me from first sight,then the reverse and obviously the final reveal.
As ever,your mellifluous voice as you explained what & why you were doing each step,was comfortably reassuring and the final reveal well worth the wait from part 1. Thank you as ever for your channel and very best wishes to you&yours👋💫💯💥👊💯✌
Okay, putting texture on the fill in medium was really genius
Love the new Intro and Outro segments. It's nice to kinda see how you see the job before and after the job is done.
I am in such awe of this artist’s ability to embrace their imperfections in this portrait! It’s something I fight and it’s breathtaking to see it here!
Wow! The use of color on this painting is phenomenal!
I don't think I've ever heard another person put so much disgust into the word "staples". Another great video.
the impasto in the face made me cry is so beautiful it made me tear up
Kit, the MASP museum in São Paulo, Brazil, features all their works on glass easels designed by Lina Bo Bardi; and it is an incredible sight.
The change in color is insane
KIT!
YOU GOT YOUR KIT!
(^o^)
I'm so happy for you! I know, at least for me, having a "uniform" has always helped me get into the proper mindset for a specific activity RIGHT quick, and I hope it helps you too.
You have really gained sophistication in your creation of dramatic tension. I found myself anticipating the "reveal," when you clean the face. Really well done, not to mention the technical expertise.
You'd think, after all your videos that I've watched, that I would no longer be amazed at your skill and patience. But no. Every time, I am astonished. How wonderful to know that someone with these incredible skills (and this great taste in music) exists. Thanks, as always, for posting.
Love the timer you used in the time-lapse!