Artwork
Browse through the collection of paintings by Benjamin Young. Everything from impressionism to realism, from watercolors to oil pastels, from landscape to still life.
Tiny Football
July 3, 2024
Tiny Football was another quick artwork done on a tiny canvas. A tribute to one of Canton’s large driving parts of their economy, American Football. Since our city hosts the Pro Football Hall of Fame, which is the biggest reason for tourism and festivals in our tiny city, I figured it was a good idea to have this sitting out on my studio space as a pick-me-up. Sports!
The Artist's Assistant
June 26, 2024
This painting has everything you need. Cute cats, funny hats, and a dark sense of morbid humor. It features my long haired domestic black and white cat, Princess. Stuck in a scene of her by my side as I paint. Adorning my Faber-Castell Collapsable Water Cup on her head. Her favorite Penn tennis ball resting not far away. Peering on to the cold press cotton paper watercolor block, that is painted with my late dog, Izzy, along with family. I know deep down Princess shares in my miss of Izzy. The stick figures childishly painted on the exposed cotton paper, integrated in a method of inception in to the painting. Adding to the silliness and partly dry humor.
Addict's Contemplation
June 20, 2024
Addict’s Contemplation is both expressive and metaphoric in it’s design. It’s a variety of color splashes introduced in the world of light across the lake’s surface of water. A woman stranger sits on a weathered wooden dock, peering in to thought. A foreign intrusion sits right-of-center, still in what is seemingly like the calm parts of the water; an island pier. The waves turn in a moment of calmness and introspection, surrounding the subject in intrusive thought. The summer sun’s light dances through the sky and across the the refraction of rippling waves among the lake’s surface. Nestled hills roll in the attached land’s horizon, muted by the bipolar clouds mood. The melancholic mood set by the this vibrant world, give a sense of tranquility and reflection. The curiosity of what the girl may be thinking, is left to burden the viewer with their own ideas. The subtle details and gentle colors create a peaceful, almost dreamlike quality, inviting the viewer to pause and share in this moment of solitude and serenity.
Lily Pad
June 16, 2024
This exquisite watercolor painting captures the tranquil beauty of a pond scene, in Lily Pad. Dominated by lush, green lily pads that float serenely on the water’s surface, the composition is centered around a single, vibrant pink water lily in full bloom. The delicate petals of the lily showcase a gradient of pink hues, leading to a bright yellow core, contrasting beautifully with the dark, reflective water below. The intricate details of the lily pads, including the subtle veins and slight imperfections, add a touch of realism to the scene. I have used a combination of light and shadow to create depth, making the lily and its surrounding pads appear almost three-dimensional. This painting evokes a sense of peace and natural harmony.
Sailing Away Schoon
June 7, 2024
This watercolor painting, Sailing Away Schoon, depicts a solitary schooner boat navigating through misty waters. The scene is serene and atmospheric, with soft, muted colors creating a sense of calm and tranquility. The sailboat, with its sails billowing gently, is positioned towards the right side of the painting, moving forward through the slightly choppy, dark blue waves. The background features indistinct, hazy mountains that blend seamlessly with the overcast sky, enhancing the overall misty ambiance. The use of watercolor techniques adds a fluid and ethereal quality to the painting, capturing the essence of a quiet journey through a tranquil seascape.
Silent Reflections
June 6, 2024
This watercolor painting, titled “Silent Reflections,” captures a serene and contemplative scene of two individuals in a small boat on a vast, calm body of water. The palette consists primarily of muted blues and grays, creating a tranquil and misty atmosphere. Light touches of yellow kiss the finer details to show the dancing of light. The reflections on the water’s surface are subtly rendered, blending seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. In the background, the faint outlines of forested hills fade into the horizon, shrouded in a gentle haze. This watercolor painting is a peaceful and introspective work of art.
Creepy Clown
May 30, 2024
Creepy Clown was a quick artwork done on a tiny canvas, that I did for some stranger, who had an appreciation for creepy clowns and serial killers. Red flags much? While I don’t share those interests, I did my best to try to convey that sense allure on this 4x4in square, making quick work of it. The design was heavily inspired by the first IT Movie’s antagonist clown character. The yellow tinted smiling teeth were captured well, wrapping around the edge of the canvas.
Pomona's Bowl
May 26, 2024
Pomona’s Bowl is my practiced attempt to finalize my technique, using abstract vibrant brushwork, to create my own desired style in the realism oil painting realm. With every still life, I use it methodically to refine how I want to improve or change my artwork. This still life opulence in a bowl to me is the overwhelming first step to finally realize my artistic painting style that I want to utilize in the direction of how I want my landscape and narrative pieces to convey from here on out. It is an accomplishment in my own eyes, and what I consider the turning stone to take my work to the next level. Featuring a pomegranate fruit resting in a reflective metal bowl. Split open with it’s glossy seeds spilling out. The red velvet table cloth drapes the cold black table, sitting along in the light of the room. The vibrancy of the hues of red, violet, blue, yellows, purple, pink, and peach; blend together to construct this oil painting that seems reminiscent of scene from the old masters. Looking closely, you can see each section of abstract artwork, slathered on by the soft bristles of my brush to construct something beautifully grand as you step back to take it all in at once.
Blue Jay
May 14, 2024
Blue Jay depicts a blue jay perched on a snowy surface, delicately pecking at a cluster of red berries on a nearby branch. The bird’s vivid blue plumage, accented with black and white markings, contrasts beautifully with the soft, white snow. I captured the texture of the bird’s feathers and the intricate details of the berries and branches. The overall scene exudes a serene winter atmosphere, with the red berries adding a touch of color and life to the otherwise muted background.
Massillon 52
April 26, 2024
The Massillon 52 is a vibrant watercolor painting, showcasing two Massillon Football players. Both in a moment of intense celebration. On the left, player 52 is rendered with a fierce expression. To the right, an unknown teammate engages in clapping, hands blurred to add to the effect. Behind them, the stadium is alive with spectators in the stands, out of focus. Backset all to autumn trees and vibrant green turf. I managed to infuse the scene with movement and excitement, creating a palpable sense of the game’s high stakes and the players’ raw emotion.