Philip Clarke was born in Sydney Australia in 1953. He attended Lindfield (Public) Demonstration School from 1965 - 1970 then was awarded a scholarship to Sydney Grammar School, which he attended from 1970 - 1975.

After school he studied Commerce/Law at the University of NSW and then art at the National Art School, (Alexander Mackie Campus). His first solo show was held in 1976.

From 1977 - 1987 he lived and worked overseas including Cadaques, Spain, Paris, Amsterdam and London. In Cadaques he worked with, studied under, and befriended the modern maestro, Salvador Dali from 1978-83.

His portrait of Clive Evatt was hung in 1983 Archibald Prize, Sydney.

From 1987 - 1997 Phil Clarke lived in Hong Kong where he was recognised as a high profile "society artist", holding 16 solo shows.

From 1997 to 2012 he has lived in Sydney, Bangkok, Beijing, and Phi Phi Island, Thailand.