Some portraits don’t just depict a person—they hold a moment. A breath. A lifetime.
Ben Young’s Okay Now is one of those rare works. Rendered in watercolor with aching precision, it captures an elderly woman looking out a window, her eyes filled with memory, reflection, and something unspoken. There’s no flash—just honesty. And in that honesty, we find something universal.
This painting was born from Ben’s years working in a nursing home—where daily interactions became deeply personal. Over time, he grew close to the residents in his care, bearing witness not just to their routines, but to their stories, their decline, and ultimately, their departures.
“I painted this after saying goodbye to a particular resident I had grown close to,” Ben shares. “I remember their wisdom and strength, sometimes with surrender. And how often, before I would end my day’s shift, they’d say, “Okay Now. I’ll be seeing young.” That phrase stuck with me.”
That phrase, “Okay now,” became the anchor for this piece—a soft farewell, filled with farewells and grace.
To collectors, Okay Now is more than a portrait. It’s a meditation on aging and humanity. The subject’s gaze is not toward us, but outward—toward memory, or perhaps the future. She wears time in her skin, in her hands, in the quiet power of her posture. There is no fear here. Only presence.
This is a piece that rewards those who linger. It doesn’t shout—it invites. For collectors who value art that carries meaning and memory, Okay Now offers an emotional depth that lives far beyond the frame.
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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While the original watercolor painting 'Okay Now' 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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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.
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, please visit the link below:
