Roy Wang
Roy Wang is a Light Painting artist whose journey began in 2010 after discovering Picasso’s light works while he was still a professional rugby player in Japan. Since then, he has devoted years to exploring the limitless language of light, using the night as his canvas and light as his storytelling tool. Roy is known for his expressive freehand and one line Light Painting. He creates flowing forms born from muscle memory, spatial awareness, and the joyful challenge of guiding light through space. Roy's work bridges cultures and environments. Every Light Painting is a living moment that can never be repeated, a reminder that light carries stories, movement, and emotion. His passion, curiosity, and dedication to mastering light as an art form embody the creative freedom, exploration, and heart-centered spirit of the Light Painting community. Check out the full interview with Roy below and follow the links at the bottom of the page for even more of his amazing work!
What is your name?
Roy Wang
How long have you been light painting?
Over 16 years ago, when I was still a professional rugby player in Japan, I first came across Picasso's light painting works featured in LIFE magazine online in 2010. That was when my journey of light painting art creation began.
What is your favorite part about the Light Painting Art Form?
Using the night as my canvas and light as my brush, I paint freely and limitlessly in the air. Freehand - starting from a single point or line - allows me to express what I envision in my mind, capturing the joy of controlling light through muscle memory and spatial awareness. Sometimes, light doesn't behave as expected, and that’s where the greatest challenge lies - and what fascinates me most. Each piece is unique, impossible to replicate, and every creation is a new adventure.
What are your favorite types of Light Paintings to create and why?
Free Hand Light Painting is my favorite creative direction. Since first seeing Picasso's light painting works, I have been captivated by it and gradually, as my skills and techniques improved, I began experimenting with One Line light painting to achieve greater control over form and dimensionality. This approach challenges the creator's mastery of light in space even more, opening up an endless realm of possibilities and challenges.
What is your favorite environment to shoot in?
I enjoy strolling through streets with my camera, tripod, and light sources. Whether passing by breathtaking landscapes or urban spaces filled with architecture of diverse styles, these are essential environments and processes that spark my inspiration. In modern Chinese cities, I depict mythical creatures from ancient legends; in the Middle East, I blend Arabic calligraphy with Eastern floral aesthetics in works likeArabic Flowers; during the Hans Christian Andersen Festival, I painted the silhouette of the writer walking before his former residence. This is the charm of light painting art—it allows endless inspiration and creativity to be expressed freely. To me, light is the pen that continues my stories, and through it, I share these tales with you.
What is your favorite image you have created with the Light Painting Brushes?
I have created many One Line light painting works using the white LPB light source, whether for theUrban Face series or the Dancer series. Of course, I am also continuously researching and experimenting with various additional tools. With the extensive range of LPB tools available, there is so much for me to explore and utilize, turning them into my brushes to enhance my creations.
What is your favorite Light Painting Brushes attachment?
The Light Pens, Crystal Light Pens and Plexiglass Shapes.
What is one piece of advice for someone who is just starting out Light Painting?
As I often say in my workshops, back in 2010 when I was still a professional rugby player, I was captivated by Picasso's light paintings. Simply because I loved this art form, I decided to start studying and experimenting with creating it. Passion is the best teacher; if you love it, just go ahead and paint!
Where can people see more of your light painting work?
You can see more of my work here! My Instagram www.instagram.com/roywanglightart
