For years, tennis was more than just a sport to me—it was a test of resilience, leadership, and the stubborn pursuit of an almost unreachable dream. Every season, I poured my energy into captaining my team, chasing the elusive goal of making it to the United States Tennis Association (USTA) National Championships. We fought through countless matches, faced down stronger opponents, and year after year came up just short.
Then, one season, it finally happened—we did it. We earned our place among the best in the nation, securing our ticket to the championships in Scottsdale, Arizona. It was supposed to be the moment I had dreamed about for decades. But when the time came, I couldn’t go. Life, timing, and circumstances collided, forcing me to step aside. My teammates went on without me, and I was left with the crushing knowledge that I had let them down—and let myself down. Defeat captures that moment, not in the chaos of a missed shot or a broken racket, but in the quiet aftermath—when the match is over, the sun is beating down, and there’s nothing left to do but look up at the sky and wonder how it all slipped away. This painting is my confession, my acceptance, and my reminder that sometimes the hardest losses aren’t on the scoreboard—they’re the ones that live inside you.
Ben Young is a contemporary fine artist originally from Appalachia, Ohio. Originally a Software Engineer, he began painting in watercolor and oil less than two years ago, and his work has quickly gained attention for its emotional depth and storytelling. Each piece is a personal narrative, rooted in lived experience and expressed through a sensitive, evocative style. Each piece touches on themes of loss, love, family, and resilience, often drawing from his own life, including the tragic loss of his fiancée and journey it took to overcome those emotional burdens. His paintings resonate with collectors drawn to authenticity, vulnerability, and a fresh, emerging voice in American art.
While the original watercolor painting 'Defeat' has been sold, limited edition limited reproductions are still available in various sizes. This emotionally resonant piece continues to connect with collectors, and these high-quality prints offer a meaningful way to bring its story into your own space.
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Notice: Due to rising production costs and increasing demand, prices will be increasing on all limited reproductions starting October 1st, 2025.
Reproductions are printed on premium archival fine art paper using only the finest archival-grade inks, these works meet the strict standards of giclée printmaking—ensuring exceptional detail, color accuracy, and fade resistance. Designed to preserve the integrity of the original artwork, each reproduction is a museum-quality piece intended to be cherished for generations.
I take the quality of my artwork—both original pieces and limited reproductions—very seriously. Every piece is created and produced with a long-term collector in mind. Whether you're purchasing an original or a reproduction, I ensure that all materials meet archival standards, so your investment will stand the test of time. My reproductions are produced to meet giclée-quality standards for exceptional fidelity and durability.
Hear directly from those who have welcomed my work into their homes. These heartfelt testimonials reflect the emotional connection, quality, and meaning that collectors have found in each piece.
The following works are in order of date the narration takes place, starting after the current painting.
December 20, 2023
May 28, 2024
September 5, 2024
September 10, 2024
