Moving Forward

Dear Collector,

I’m not quite sure where to begin.

The response to “I’m Sorry, It’s Cancer” has been overwhelming. The messages, encouragement, and support I’ve received over the past month has meant more to me than I can adequately express. Thank you.

My energy has been limited lately, which has forced me to focus carefully on the work moving through my studio. I believe this season is temporary, but for now, my attention must be devoted to the paintings that matter most.

Upcoming Work

I’ve finally begun painting toward the darkest piece I’ve ever planned.

When I first started painting a few years ago, there was one painting I knew I had to create someday. Just one. But I also knew I wasn’t ready for it — not technically, and not emotionally.

Even after completing “In The Dark,” despite it going on to win several awards, I still didn’t feel capable of painting it.

Now, after finishing “I’m Sorry, It’s Cancer,” I don’t really have an excuse left when it comes to a lack of technical realism skill. If anything, I’ve started to worry more about time — in the small chance my cancer takes a turn, even though I fully believe I’ll beat it.

Before I can reach that final painting, though, there are two darker works that need to come first. They foreshadow the past. Both are almost as heart-wrenching, and both are incredibly painful for me to revisit.

This painting is the first of those pieces: “Returning the Favor.” It will mirror the next work, in an unexpected way.

After this comes “Broken,” which takes place in the aftermath of the finale — sometime in the early morning hours of December 21st.

But a good story needs buildup. Before the final piece, I still need to create lighter, warmer paintings that go further back in time — works that establish the relationship and emotional connection behind it all.

“December 20th” is the working title for that final painting. It will depict the darkest and most tragic moment of my life.

After that chapter is complete, the work beyond it will return to warmth, color, and light. More vibrant pieces. More hopeful ones.

These upcoming paintings aren’t meant to define my art as darkness alone, but to contrast against the lighter moments — because the dark makes the light shine brighter.

For anyone signed up for my email newsletter, I will be publishing context to these paintings as an early preview of their meaning.

Preview of “Returning The Favor”

Returning the Favor will feature a character many of you already know: Izzy.

Alongside me, she will be at the center of a deeply personal scene inspired by a memory I have never forgotten.

My dear child,

It was eight years ago that you first lay your head in my lap, like it is now. It was AJ’s idea that I needed a dog. She was the one who pushed me into adopting you. She was one person who always understood me and knew I yearned for a canine companion again. She was the one who found you online. It was her you first found comfort and trust in. She was your human. You came from an abusive past and had plenty of scars to show for it. You were afraid of men, like me. In a way, you were our first child together.

I wasn’t the only one who lost her that night.

I came home with blood all over my shirt. Dried tears on my cheeks. Probably a broken expression on my face. A part of me died that night. You could tell something happened to her, couldn’t you? She never returned. You never let me touch you before that night. You would flinch away when I would pet you, in fear, like I was going to hit you, as your previous caretaker did. Whoever that horrible person was. What I remember of that night, as my back slid down my bathroom wall, you did something completely out of the ordinary. I heard your claws tap across the wood floors and approach the bathroom where I sit on the cold, hard floor. I sat there motionless. I didn’t know what to do. You came over and lay down with your head in my lap. For the very first time. You were the only one there to comfort me that night.

For the next six years, you were always by my side. When I would wake up in the night, screaming in fear, it was the feeling of your wet nose on my face I would first notice as I woke back to reality. It was your presence that made me feel totally not alone, as you lay next to me at night. Your fear of me vanished, and now I have become your loving human. We both lost AJ that night, and yet you were the one who took care of me.

By the time I started healing myself out of the trauma and living again, you were beginning to show your age. You are the first child AJ brought me, and now you are our last one left.

Now, you lay your head in my lap one last time. I know your body is giving up, and your time will end soon. Now, I will be the one by your side, and I refuse to leave you. Just as you did for me that tragic night. I’m here for you now, returning the favor.

Goodbye, my dear child… Izzy.

Entry in to The American Watercolor Society

Last year, I had ambitious plans to create several exhibition pieces for some of the most prestigious watercolor shows in the country.

One of those goals was entry into the American Watercolor Society’s Annual International Exhibit.

Cancer had other plans.

The diagnosis and treatment process slowed my progress enough that I missed the deadline, and I didn’t have an available painting I felt represented my best work. Even if I had, I’m not certain I currently have the energy or resources required to travel to New York for the exhibition itself.

Fortunately, AWS also hosts an Associate Members Online Exhibition.

Having just completed I’m Sorry, It’s Cancer before the submission deadline, I became a member and entered the painting.

I am thrilled to announce that I’m Sorry, It’s Cancer has been accepted into the 2026 American Watercolor Society’s Associate Members Online Exhibit.

I’m beyond grateful and honored to have the work included.

Mugshot Exhibit at Second April Studios

The Mugshot Exhibit at Second April Studios continues through the month of June and features my watercolor painting, Mistakes.

The painting is displayed prominently near the gallery entrance and will remain on view throughout the remainder of the exhibition.

“For Dianne”

There is one additional watercolor currently on my drafting table.

Unlike the others, this one is not intended for exhibition or sale.

“For Dianne” will feature a branch of cherry blossoms painted on a full 22×30-inch sheet of Arches watercolor paper. It is a gift for someone who has been with me to keep my spirits lifted during a difficult season.

The original painting will remain with her, but reproductions will be available once it is completed.

Magic City Arts and Music Festival

On June 13th, I will be participating in the Magic City Arts & Music Festival in Barberton, Ohio.

I’ll be doing some live painting (albeit at a slower pace than others), and I’ll have several original works and reproductions available to view.

If you’re nearby, I’d love to meet you.

Father’s Day Sale

I’ve never been much for holidays. I generally prefer consistency throughout the year.

That said, as the father of a sixteen-year-old son, Father’s Day is one holiday that inevitably finds its way into my calendar.

To celebrate and share, all 5×7-inch reproductions will be 50% off through June 22nd using the private offer code:

FATHERSDAYS

Newsletter Winners

And finally, it’s time for this month’s newsletter drawing.

The winner of a 9×12-inch reproduction of their choice is:

The winners are:

• Tom B. from Akron, Ohio

Congratulations, Tom.

And to everyone reading this: thank you for your continued support, encouragement, and belief in my work. It means more than you know.

— Benjamin J. Young