Results & News by Ben Young
Dear Collector,
Over the past few months, I have stepped back from regularly publishing newsletters in order to focus what little time and energy I have had on completing my latest watercolor painting. A painting that comes with an announcement.
“I’m Sorry, It’s Cancer”
As the title implies, I was diagnosed with cancer back in March.
I decided to capture the emotional weight of that brief moment after learning the results and pour it into this painting. But that moment was fleeting. I still have far too many moments left in my life to capture through realism. I still have many small stories to paint.
View PaintingCancer is not what’s going to finally take me down, nor will it stand in the way of that pursuit.
What’s Next?
Between treatment, frequent doctor visits, continuing my part-time work with residents at the nursing home where I work, responsibilities as an elected trustee for my local cycling club, and spending time with family and friends, my availability has understandably become more limited. I have not had the amount of time to paint that I would like, though I hope to place greater focus on the works I have planned moving forward.
Because of this, I made a few decisions several months ago that some of you may have already noticed:
- I will be stepping back from applying to exhibits and shows, except for special occasions or prior commitments.
- I have also been less active in attending exhibits and events for fellow artists.
I’m determined to be cancer-free — ideally sometime next year — I will return to a more active exhibition schedule.
Mugshot Exhibit at Second April Studios
If you have not yet had the opportunity to visit, Second April Studios in downtown Canton, Ohio is currently featuring my painting Mistakes.
The painting is displayed prominently at the entrance to the gallery — ironically, in the same placement where Hallelujah once hung when the space operated as a previous gallery.
The exhibition will run throughout May and June.
Acquire Painting3.5x5in Sales
Many of you are joining this newsletter for the first time following the popularity of the recent 3.5x5in sale of One Last Walk With Izzy, which originally began as a lighthearted April Fools promotion.
This was the first time I have handled shipping such a large volume of reproductions, and while I am incredibly grateful for the support, it also came with many lessons learned. My intention is to continue offering a new 3.5x5in print each month, though I have temporarily delayed the next release while I make improvements to the logistics and technology behind the process.
Unfortunately, this likely means I will no longer be able to offer free shipping for these sales, as untracked USPS First Class mail resulted in too many delivery issues to maintain the standard of service I want to provide.
As part of these improvements, I am also transitioning to a new online shop provider and adding a new giclée print vendor. My hope is that these changes will allow me to offer better pricing, improved reliability, and additional print options moving forward.
Newsletter Winners
Since I missed the last couple of monthly newsletters, I decided to select three winners from my email subscribers this month instead of one. Each winner has been contacted separately and will receive a complimentary 9x12in reproduction of their choice.
The winners are:
- Marissa H. from Portland, Oregon
- Tiana B. from Detroit, Michigan
- Owen F. from Spokane, Washington
Congratulations to the winners, and thank you again to everyone for your continued support, patience, and encouragement during this season of life.
— Benjamin J. Young