In The Dark

There are moments when darkness feels complete—when loss, grief, or loneliness surrounds us. In the Dark was born from such a space.

A Flame That Won’t Burn Out

This painting features my son, holding a candle with silent intensity. It’s a scene full of stillness, yet filled with tension. The light reflects on his face, gently illuminating him against the deep black background. That candle isn’t just light—it’s fire, memory, and promise.

When I painted In the Dark, I was thinking about Robert Frost’s poem Fire and Ice, which explores the two forces that could end the world: the slow burn of desire, or the cold sting of indifference. I’ve felt both. After losing my fiancée and daughter in a tragic car accident, I went through years where I thought my inner flame had gone out.

But this painting is my vow: I will never let that happen again.

The candle represents the fire I now carry forward—for my son, for the people I’ve lost, for the stories I still have to tell. The light we hold inside can flicker, can shrink, can almost disappear—but it can also be protected, fed, and shared.

In the Dark isn’t just about grief. It’s about hope. It’s about what it means to look into darkness and still choose to keep your light alive.

This piece is a reminder that we all carry a flame—and sometimes, that tiny flame is enough to shed light on the loneliness and despair of a world that grows cold.

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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.

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In The Dark is available for acquisition as the original watercolor 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.

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Original Watercolor Painting

9x12in Limited Reproduction

56 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

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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

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Ready to Learn More?

If you would like to learn more about the inspiration behind this piece, explore the background story, view the creative process, and access additional details. As a thank-you, you'll receive an exclusive 20% discount on all orders and you'll be entered in monthly drawing to win a free limited reproduction.