Ulla Lodesten

Artist , Västerås, Sweden

In 1995, I started making dog portraits on commission for hunters and their hunting dogs. This gave birth to the idea of ​​holding an exhibition about dog breeds at the library in Västerås. It was carried out in 2001 with about 20 drawn dog portraits and texts about different dog breeds. At the same time, I had my first exhibition at Tidö Castle, together with the silversmith Rosa Taikon. After that, ICA Bokförlag wanted me to show how I drew animals, and the book “Drawing Animals” was developed in collaboration with Christer Holmgren in 2003. From 1997 to 2010, I continued my education with courses in drawing, watercolor, portrait, graphics, and bronze casting. Since then, I have had several exhibitions in Sweden and in other countries. From 2008 to 2011, I had a studio and exhibition space in a villa in Västerås. It was practical and elegant to be able to receive customers in that environment and to photograph dogs. I have photographed and executed paintings of dogs, cats, horses, people, and houses & farms for almost two hundred portrait commissions. Since 2012, I have had the studio at home in Lövsta and have exhibited my art at art exhibitions, public places, and in private venues.