No formal art qualifications.

Major influences – Zen and existentialism.

As Phil Barker painted in late 60’s/ early 70s. Showed at Scottish Young Contemporaries (1970) Edinburgh Fringe Festival (1971) and St Andrews Festival (1972).

Won the Pernod Prize in Edinburgh in 1974 .

Chance encounter with Joseph Beuys in 1970 led him to installation/conceptual/performance work.

Joined Scottish Arts Council supported collective – Dundee Group Artists Ltd in mid 1970s. Exhibited with the group until late 70s.

In 1979 gave up art to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy degree  and academic career in psychiatry.

Worked  as psychotherapist,  researcher, author and university professor in the UK, Australia, Japan and Ireland until 2006.

After a hiatus of over 30 years returned to art in 2010 when he first showed with the Society of Scottish Artists. Adopted the pseudonmym Phil McLoughlin  and was Elected a Professional Member of the SSA in 2012.

Work is held in private, corporate and public collection across the UK, Australia, USA and Europe.