"Return of the Prodigal Son" Painting

I work in a style I describe as Lyrical Realism, where observation and emotion meet. My paintings begin with real places—landscapes, light, and atmosphere—but move toward an interpretation of experience rather than a strict depiction. Light is the central subject in my work. It shapes form, guides composition, and creates a sense of presence within the scene. I am particularly drawn to moments where light transforms the ordinary—coastlines, open fields, or quiet spaces—into something felt rather than simply seen. My process balances structure and intuition. Strong value relationships and compositional clarity provide the foundation, while looseness in handling allows the painting to remain alive and immediate. This body of work is part of an ongoing journey I think of as “New Horizons”—a search for clarity, atmosphere, and a more personal visual language. Each painting is an attempt to move closer to that balance between control and expression.