About Time: Acclaimed and ambidextrous artist Toby Mulligan reveals his latest body of work

This summer, he's set to unveil his latest body of work, About Time, in an exclusive touring exhibition with Clarendon Fine Art.

Born in 1969 and largely self-taught, Mulligan's artistic method is entirely individual – he begins to paint or draw spontaneously without any preparatory sketching, using both hands and both sides of his brain, rational and intuitive. This dialogue between his hands and two sides of his brain results in an emotional connection, an inspired process that works faster than the speed of distracting though.

Describing his passion for painting, Mulligan explains he’s driven to paint by a spiritual connection to the world around him. He’s committed to being present, absorbing what he sees, feels and senses around him. He then paints what he has learnt and understood through his profound mindful practice. Ultimately encouraging the viewer to appreciate the world right here right now, as he explains; "as unfettered by stuff and thinking as the day we were born. Always be open, always amazed."

Mulligan’s distinctive contemporary portraits and landscapes have earned him a list of international clientele, including Roger Federer and Mick Jagger. His artworks are now held in private collections across Europe, India and the USA.

The headline of the tour, About Time, is the title of a painting of his daughter which was a finalist for the BP Portrait Award in 2012 – just one of a number of great awards and accolades achieved during Mulligan’s career to date. The captivating portrait has hung in both London and Scotland’s National Gallery and now hangs in the Clarendon Fine Art in Mayfair.

When creating his dynamic portraits, Mulligan works mostly from models (rather than photographs), enjoying the intense connection, which aids his painterly process. He is particularly drawn to exploring the nude female form as it offers a stripped bare truth and authenticity. His level of engagement is such that he often grinds his own pigments and has experimented with a range of materials including varnishes, wax and wallpaper.

Launching the tour at Clarendon’s flagship Mayfair gallery this month, About Time will then move to Clarendon Fine Art Wimbledon on 25 May, Clarendon Fine Art Hale on 8 June and Clarendon Fine Art, Hampstead on 6 July 2019. Discover more at tobymulligan.com.