Some portraits don’t just depict a person—they hold a moment. A breath. A lifetime.
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 my years working in a nursing home—where daily interactions became deeply personal. Over time, I 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 knew an old wise woman once. She told me to make my way back to Strasbourg, so I did. From her pine framed window, she bid farewell, “Okay now. I’ll be seeing you.” With her gaze and expression of both endearment and concern, but excitement for me. Looking on in to the day’s sun. This painting perfectly captures those feelings and experiences with my dear old friend.
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.
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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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.
September 10, 2024
