In The Artist’s Assistant, I present a deceptively whimsical image—a tuxedo cat wearing a watercolor cup as a crown, sitting quietly beside a watercolor block, a tennis ball, and a paintbrush. But behind the soft palette and tender brushwork lies a heartbreakingly personal story. This painting is not about play—it’s about presence, loss, and the quiet roles our companions play in helping us survive the unimaginable.
The subject of the piece is Young’s cat, Princess. She was not just a pet, but a daily witness to my creative process—and, more importantly, to my healing. Painted from life, she is shown sitting faithfully beside me on my living room floor, watching as I painted in watercolor—often refusing to leave my side.
At her feet lies a childlike stick figure drawing: a family, hand in hand—except for two figures dangerously close to the wheels of an approaching car. This is no ordinary sketch. It’s a depiction of my greatest loss: the death of my fiancée and unborn daughter in a tragic car accident. The remaining figures—myself, my son, and our dog Izzy—are those who survived. Izzy, the dog shown in the drawing, was Princess’s companion—her friend, whose absence she too came to mourn when Izzy passed away from old age.
This painting captures that moment—when words fall away, and grief is processed not with language, but through quiet rituals: the brush moving on paper, the cat nearby, the memories close.
The Artist’s Assistant reminds us that sometimes, the smallest presences bear witness to the heaviest moments. It is a painting about grief—but also about loyalty, tenderness, and the silent strength of those who stay close when we need them most.
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 'The Artist's Assistant' 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.
20% discount for anyone subscribed up to my newsletter.
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 5, 2024
September 10, 2024
