Phil has always had an eye for art and his talent ,in particular painting was noted while at school by his art teacher, for a couple of years, Nigel Thompson. (winner of the Archibald 1983 and 1997 ) and with his assistance was accepted into art school in 1973. Phil opted for a plumbing apprenticeship for financial stability. He travelled to Europe and the Middle east in 1978 and spent years up in the Kimberley and islands off the coast. He started painting again while living in Broome 1990 and was accepted into art school (Northbridge and Claremont )for the start of 1992 year group for Diploma of Fine Arts. He sold his first large canvas in 1992 and has continued creating works of art since then and have resided in rural Margaret River since Jan 1996 and continues to paint today in the beautiful surroundings of his studio.