ABOUT K.S. ART RESTORATION
K.S. Art Restoration was founded in 2014 by me, Kristel Smits. After following a teenage ambition to become a painting conservator and now with 25 years experience, enjoyment and love for the job is still the main motivation.
” What better reward is there for an art lover than looking closely at art every day for a living? “
As a small art conservation practice, you’ll be sure the person quoting on the job will be the only one working on your painting. Work can be done on-site or in the studio, depending on the size or value of the artwork and the scale of the project. The aim is to keep costs affordable but fair, comparable to tradies rates, and work is done expertly and efficiently.
As a Professional Member of the AICCM – the Australian Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Materials – you’re assured that I’ve met their requirements for training, ethics, experience and regular skills development.
I’ve worked for the following institutions
before starting K.S. Art Restoration:
Qualifications and experience
Academic training
- Bachelor of Applied Science in Conservation of Cultural Materials (specialised in Easel Paintings), University of Canberra
Master of Art (Coursework) in Painting, College of Fine Arts, UNSW
Master of Fine Arts (Research) in Painting, College of Fine Arts, UNSW
- Certificate IV in Small Business Management, South East Training Services
My story and experience
After the art conservation degree, I spent 4 years in Europe doing 3 major internships. This allowed me to work on some incredible 16th and 17th century paintings in the Netherlands and England, and on modern and contemporary art in Germany. I then spent 13 years in Sydney working in large public galleries on a wide variety of paintings and art objects, as well as in private practice. K.S. Art Restoration was started 9 years ago and was quickly followed by my move to Katoomba.
Other experiences
Art remains a hobby and a passion, as well as my career. Drawing and painting in my spare time, the job gives me a true understanding of artist’s materials, techniques and processes. Sometimes it also gives me artistic inspiration. Occasionally I exhibit my work and teach art classes to share my knowledge.
Oil on wood panel painting before art conservation
To see more examples of restoration work, visit the Gallery page here.
Testimonials & Words of Thanks
“YOU BREATHED A WHOLE NEW LIFE INTO IT”
Thank you very much for all your work and attention in restoring my old painting, Kristel. I was afraid that it would be too beautiful, that restoration would lose some of the raw power, but no, you breathed a whole new life into it. I’m really glad I gave it to you, and it was/is worth it all . . .
Sincerely,
“EXCEPTIONAL VALUE FOR MONEY”
Kristel came recommended to us by 2 very reputable people. Her restoration of a large late 19th century Australian oil painting amply confirmed their recommendation. She kept us well informed at every stage of the process about her progress, our options, and the costs. The result was exceptional value for money. A valuable work brought back to life and well preserved for another generation.
“WE ARE DELIGHTED WITH THE OUTCOME”
Hi Kristel, thank you very much for the restoration of our painting. We are delighted with the outcome, we have a much more refreshed, vibrant painting which we look forward to re-framing and then hanging on our wall.
“AMAZING WORK”
The painting looks great Kristel, I’m really pleased with it. Thanks so much! Amazing work.
“BRINGING BACK THE VIBRANCY AND COLOUR”
Kristel has done an outstanding job in bringing back the vibrancy and colour in the painting. Her conservation treatment has exposed detail that was previously obscured. Her professionalism and provision of progress reports inspired confidence and we are delighted with the final result.
“AMAZING ATTENTION TO DETAIL”
My wife Jenny and I engaged Kristel to clean and restore a small but important European portrait. Kristel’s highly professional work and amazing attention to detail revealed the portrait as we imagined it was when the artist first completed it. The fine details, original colours and the background are now clear and the signature is much more distinct. Now the portrait will be enjoyed for the future by ourselves and others.
“RESTORED TO ITS ORIGINAL STATE”
Hi Kristel, thank you for the wonderful restoration on my Balinese lady painting. John and I are very pleased with the out-come. It means a lot to see this family heirloom from my grand-father restored to its original state.
“I ONLY WISH MY MOTHER WERE ALIVE TO SEE IT”
Kristel you have done such an amazing job on my painting. I only wish my mother were alive to see it. You have brought to life so much detail & clarity – it is such a beautiful work. I can’t thank you enough for your care & professionalism.