Toby Mulligan is celebrated for his distinctive contemporary figures, earning both critical acclaim and widespread admiration. His artistic repertoire spans various media, including charcoal on paper and inks, reflecting his commitment to exploring diverse techniques. Immersed in every aspect of the creative process, Mulligan often grinds his own pigments and experiments with unique materials such as varnishes, wax, medieval paint recipes, and even rolls of wallpaper.
Over the years, Mulligan has honed a spontaneous style that sets his work apart. Without relying on preparatory sketches or detailed plans, he dives directly into the act of creation, allowing his instincts to guide each brushstroke or pencil line. The result is a body of work that is deeply intuitive, spirited, and extraordinary.
Mulligan works with a variety of models, believing that the essence of his best pieces comes from forming a genuine connection with the person he portrays. While he occasionally uses photographs, his preference is to work from life, fostering a bond with his subjects that breathes life and authenticity into his art.