Final Embrace

Final Embrace is the most vulnerable painting I’ve ever created. It’s born from a dream — or perhaps a memory — that came to me on the edge of life itself.

A Dream of Love, Loss, and One Last Goodbye

Years ago, I attempted to take my own life. As the darkness began to close in from a suicidal overdose, I dreamed of AJ, my late fiancée. In that dream, she found me. She pulled me into her arms with a tenderness that felt real enough to dissolve every ounce of pain I had been carrying. It was not a goodbye. It was an understanding. From the six long years of suffering I had put myself through, missing her.

This painting is directly connected to my watercolor Dying in a Snowfall, a piece that explores that same moment of slipping away — only here, the focus is not on the cold surrender of death, but on the warmth and bittersweet peace of her embrace.

Before I ever picked up a brush, I wrote a short story about that dream. Years later, when I painted Final Embrace, I realized the story had been waiting for this canvas all along:

“You’ve grown tired, have’t you dear?”, she reassured. “It was too difficult. I’m so sorry. I failed you”, was my excuse. My stature felt different, like the weighing years had melted off and I was almost floating. She snuck in closer and whispered in my ear with her arms wrapped around me, “I understand. It’s alright now. It’s time to rest.” “Just five more minutes? You know how much I missed this”, I pleaded like an innocent child. “I suppose. Maybe you’ll see me when you awake, but it’s a surprise”, as she somehow wrapped herself around me even more. It was just like her to say something alluring like that. A cold winter wind blew against my neck and creeped throughout the rest of my body, but it felt as though a warmth was melting me asleep. My eyes grew heavy as my head dropped on to her soft shoulder. It was becoming too difficult to fight to stay awake, but I was already asleep. I expelled my last bit of energy to muster up one last, “I really missed you.” Finally closing my eyelids and letting go, drifting off. Was this really her loving hug again, after all these years? Or was this just me, making the rounds in my head, to embrace death?

The attempt was a mistake I would regret, but that moment would change something in me entirely. From that moment, I made a promise. Instead of living in misery from the loss of AJ, like the six years before that moment, I would try to live the next 60 years to honor her and make her proud.

Purchase Artwork

About the Artist

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.

Purchase Artwork

Final Embrace is available for acquisition as the original oil painting or as a high-quality limited reproduction. Collectors may choose between owning the one-of-a-kind original or a museum-grade print that preserves the emotional depth and detail of the work. Both options offer a meaningful way to bring this powerful and personal piece into your collection.

20% discount for anyone subscribed up to my newsletter.

Original Oil Painting

9x12in Limited Reproduction

55 LEFT OF 60

18x24in Limited Reproduction

29 LEFT OF 30

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.

Commitment to Quality

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.

Limited Reproductions Feature:

Printed on high-quality archival fine art paper
Produced using archival pigment-based inks for long-lasting color
Created to meet giclée printing standards for color density, detail, and accuracy
Frame options are professionally custom built and archival safe, with non-glare acrylic.
Each limited reproduction comes with a numbered Certificate of Authenticity

Original Artwork Quality:

Painted with professional-grade artist materials (watercolors or oils)
All surfaces and mediums are archival and acid-free
Canvas is either Duct Cotton or Linen, Watercolor Paper is always on 100% Cotton.
Framing is done to archival standards, using conservation-quality mats, backing, and UV-protective glazing when applicable
Every original is designed and finished with museum-level care and craftsmanship

Shop Now

What Collectors Are Saying

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.

It got here safe and sound as it was very nicely packaged. It's matted, framed and on the wall. We love it!
Dave K., Michigan: I’m very pleased with the Painting looks good in the office. I will give him a five star rating!
Victor M., Ohio: Beautiful painting. Great communication and parcel arrived in a timely fashion, thoughtfully packaged.
Mark D., Virginia: The painting arrived safe and sound... I have already found just the right place for maximum enjoyment... Thanks for the very quick and secure shipping!
Gary S., Ohio