About ULLA Plougmand
Biography
I am a Danish-born artist/painter living and working in London England.
My colourful and often soulful paintings over the years can be found in a number of collections worldwide, public as well as private. Several paintings have won prizes, many have been exhibited in several countries, mainly London England and the USA. Some of my collections are listed under Saatchi art Collections. I create colourful, often philosophically inspired, paintings, mainly on canvas - a result of having lived a colourful life. Each work is unique. The subject - whether real or imagined - conceived and executed based on the quirky and mostly sunny way my mind works. I rely almost entirely on my ‘mind’s eye’. I paint with passion, straight from the heart.
My style.
Even though I am heavily inspired by particularly the post-impressionists I would describe my own style as a curious mixture encompassing figurative, naive, abstract, as well as modern Impressionism. In short, I cannot be ‘pigeon-holed’, I do not fit into any established movement. My paintings just evolve together with my life. I now often find myself in a more philosophical mood, using nature, trees, flowers, as metaphors for people - so perhaps add a touch of paganism? But, let’s stop analysing and just enjoy looking at the work!
The beginning.
I was born, I joke, ‘with a paintbrush in my hand!'
I have now been fortunate enough to be able to paint professionally for over three decades, and I hope sincerely I will do so till I - as I put it - ‘fall out of my little red Danish clogs’! Every day is a new adventure.
I was born and grew up in Denmark surrounded by nature, deep forests, large fields, and the wild North Sea not far away, all undoubtedly contributing to my inspiration as a painter. Having a father who was a country doctor and a mother a psychologist, my upbringing was liberal and caring.
When I finally flew the nest and left my childhood’s safe and beloved harbour Denmark behind I started experiencing the big wide world, and from then on my path in life became more multifaceted!
I travelled widely, absorbing colourful impressions of people, scenery and culture, always sketching, snapping photos - to put in my memory bank…I would start painting once back in my tiny London studio.
Now.
I have now been painting professionally for more than three decades. My ‘trademark’ is the use of extremely vibrant colours in oil or acrylics, formed by dynamic images, overlaid with subtle shading in complementary and often contrasting tones.
My prolific and eclectic work over the years is ever-expanding, and I have arranged my subjects in several series/categories such as Dreamscapes, Female Forms, Funky Flowers, My Playful Cosmos, and last but not least I have now also added my poignant series Love Ukraine as well as Dream Blues.
My life philosophy.
I have Faith. Years ago I said. “I have Faith. I believe in the good in human nature and prefer to focus on this aspect - negative - is not my nature. I admit it is an ongoing challenge…Without Love our world would be a lost planet.”
Today I will add, I still have Faith - but by now the world seems more broken and often seemingly with a different set of values which I find sad. However, I will not let this sadness be reflected in my work: being philosophic I indulge in timelessness - and I always like to add a sprinkle of magic if possible…
Give me beauty, freedom, peace, and love - and, always, hope. This is happiness to me.
I am a Danish-born artist/painter living and working in London England.
My colourful and often soulful paintings over the years can be found in a number of collections worldwide, public as well as private. Several paintings have won prizes, many have been exhibited in several countries, mainly London England and the USA. Some of my collections are listed under Saatchi art Collections. I create colourful, often philosophically inspired, paintings, mainly on canvas - a result of having lived a colourful life. Each work is unique. The subject - whether real or imagined - conceived and executed based on the quirky and mostly sunny way my mind works. I rely almost entirely on my ‘mind’s eye’. I paint with passion, straight from the heart.
My style.
Even though I am heavily inspired by particularly the post-impressionists I would describe my own style as a curious mixture encompassing figurative, naive, abstract, as well as modern Impressionism. In short, I cannot be ‘pigeon-holed’, I do not fit into any established movement. My paintings just evolve together with my life. I now often find myself in a more philosophical mood, using nature, trees, flowers, as metaphors for people - so perhaps add a touch of paganism? But, let’s stop analysing and just enjoy looking at the work!
The beginning.
I was born, I joke, ‘with a paintbrush in my hand!'
I have now been fortunate enough to be able to paint professionally for over three decades, and I hope sincerely I will do so till I - as I put it - ‘fall out of my little red Danish clogs’! Every day is a new adventure.
I was born and grew up in Denmark surrounded by nature, deep forests, large fields, and the wild North Sea not far away, all undoubtedly contributing to my inspiration as a painter. Having a father who was a country doctor and a mother a psychologist, my upbringing was liberal and caring.
When I finally flew the nest and left my childhood’s safe and beloved harbour Denmark behind I started experiencing the big wide world, and from then on my path in life became more multifaceted!
I travelled widely, absorbing colourful impressions of people, scenery and culture, always sketching, snapping photos - to put in my memory bank…I would start painting once back in my tiny London studio.
Now.
I have now been painting professionally for more than three decades. My ‘trademark’ is the use of extremely vibrant colours in oil or acrylics, formed by dynamic images, overlaid with subtle shading in complementary and often contrasting tones.
My prolific and eclectic work over the years is ever-expanding, and I have arranged my subjects in several series/categories such as Dreamscapes, Female Forms, Funky Flowers, My Playful Cosmos, and last but not least I have now also added my poignant series Love Ukraine as well as Dream Blues.
My life philosophy.
I have Faith. Years ago I said. “I have Faith. I believe in the good in human nature and prefer to focus on this aspect - negative - is not my nature. I admit it is an ongoing challenge…Without Love our world would be a lost planet.”
Today I will add, I still have Faith - but by now the world seems more broken and often seemingly with a different set of values which I find sad. However, I will not let this sadness be reflected in my work: being philosophic I indulge in timelessness - and I always like to add a sprinkle of magic if possible…
Give me beauty, freedom, peace, and love - and, always, hope. This is happiness to me.
And the critics say:
“A love of colour is the overwhelming first impression of ULLA’s work, and she harnesses this love of colour to celebrate many aspects of the female nude.
Sometimes the figure is integrated into the landscape, almost becoming one with it; at other times it floats as if dreaming in space.
Flowers are also important to ULLA, and her beautiful paintings of fields of exotic blooms put one in mind of ‘mille fiori’ tapestries.
It is significant that she gives them the generic title ‘Self-Portrait’, at once declaring herself and remaining secret.”
Mary Rose Beaumont
London. 2003
“ULLA Plougmand’s lusciously layered compositions visually reflect one’s imagination experiencing the far expanses of outer space. Thick layers of primary hues - ranging from sapphire blues to fiery reds, sun-kissed oranges and lemony yellows - swirl and circumnavigate to create undulating cyclonic forms that whirl about her canvasses, mimicking the act of cosmic creation symbolized through her expressive intergalactic titles. Exceeding human limitations by expressing the underlying celestial cycles of the universe.
ULLA’s “My Cosmos” series elicits the awe-inspiring powers of our expansive universe.”
New York. 2013-14
What collectors say:
"Scandinavian Sunrise is breathtaking - ULLA at her very finest. Bursting with colour and painted so obviously with love and passion, it is impossible to take your eyes away from it. It conjures up the magic of first light in a most beautiful part of the world. It is a remarkable painting - like all her work - tenderly reflective, insightful, overflowing with optimism, energy and sheer love of life. No proper collection can be complete without one."
Lord Black of Brentwood
Deputy Chairman, Telegraph Media Group
"My husband and I bought one of ULLA's paintings more than 10 years ago, Nordic Moon. The colours are yellow and purple. We have always loved this painting and for all these years it has had its own place in our house, right next to our dinner table so that we can look at it every time we enjoy a nice meal. This also allows us to think of ULLA and send her our love."
Lise, Copenhagen
“ULLA’s paintings are a volcano of colour and they brighten life while you are in their vicinity!”
The Marquess of Bath
Longleat House
“A love of colour is the overwhelming first impression of ULLA’s work, and she harnesses this love of colour to celebrate many aspects of the female nude.
Sometimes the figure is integrated into the landscape, almost becoming one with it; at other times it floats as if dreaming in space.
Flowers are also important to ULLA, and her beautiful paintings of fields of exotic blooms put one in mind of ‘mille fiori’ tapestries.
It is significant that she gives them the generic title ‘Self-Portrait’, at once declaring herself and remaining secret.”
Mary Rose Beaumont
London. 2003
“ULLA Plougmand’s lusciously layered compositions visually reflect one’s imagination experiencing the far expanses of outer space. Thick layers of primary hues - ranging from sapphire blues to fiery reds, sun-kissed oranges and lemony yellows - swirl and circumnavigate to create undulating cyclonic forms that whirl about her canvasses, mimicking the act of cosmic creation symbolized through her expressive intergalactic titles. Exceeding human limitations by expressing the underlying celestial cycles of the universe.
ULLA’s “My Cosmos” series elicits the awe-inspiring powers of our expansive universe.”
New York. 2013-14
What collectors say:
"Scandinavian Sunrise is breathtaking - ULLA at her very finest. Bursting with colour and painted so obviously with love and passion, it is impossible to take your eyes away from it. It conjures up the magic of first light in a most beautiful part of the world. It is a remarkable painting - like all her work - tenderly reflective, insightful, overflowing with optimism, energy and sheer love of life. No proper collection can be complete without one."
Lord Black of Brentwood
Deputy Chairman, Telegraph Media Group
"My husband and I bought one of ULLA's paintings more than 10 years ago, Nordic Moon. The colours are yellow and purple. We have always loved this painting and for all these years it has had its own place in our house, right next to our dinner table so that we can look at it every time we enjoy a nice meal. This also allows us to think of ULLA and send her our love."
Lise, Copenhagen
“ULLA’s paintings are a volcano of colour and they brighten life while you are in their vicinity!”
The Marquess of Bath
Longleat House
Photo by Jerry Mason
