In her cozy living room in Mölln, Germany, Ulrike Lutterkamp transforms cherished memories of beloved pets into detailed portraits that capture the essence of faithful companions. The 62-year-old craftswoman specializes in creating custom oil and watercolor paintings of dogs, cats, horses, and even exotic pets, working from photographs sent by pet owners across Germany who want to preserve memories of their furry friends.

Lutterkamp considers herself an artisan rather than a traditional artist, focusing on commissioned works that serve as touching memorials. Most of her clients seek portraits of their dogs or cats, often as a lasting tribute after their pet has passed away. Her workspace features an easel, paint tubes organized in a toolbox, and a palette ready for her next creation, while a cat lounges on the windowsill nearby, seemingly unbothered by the retriever taking shape on the canvas with its faithful, upward-gazing eyes.

The artistic process begins with Lutterkamp creating a rough sketch and obtaining approval from her clients before starting the actual painting. Throughout the creation process, she keeps customers updated and makes adjustments as needed. While she cannot specify exactly how many hours each portrait requires, she estimates having completed more than 100 portraits over the past 15 years since turning her passion into a profession.

Lutterkamp's love for painting began in childhood, rooted in her passion for horses. "I was a horse girl," she explains. "When I couldn't be at the stable, I would paint the animals instead." She describes painting as essential to her existence, calling it "my addiction." Despite having no formal artistic training, this self-taught artist developed her skills through dedication and practice.

After graduating from high school in Ratzeburg, Lutterkamp trained as a pharmaceutical technical assistant. When she had children, finding time to paint became nearly impossible. However, once her children grew older, she returned to her artistic pursuits, initially giving away her paintings as gifts. People increasingly offered to pay for her work, leading her to establish it as a professional service about 15 years ago.

While her art income alone isn't sufficient for full financial support, Lutterkamp supplements her earnings by working in childcare at Sterley Elementary School. Her most challenging commission involved not artistic difficulties but communication issues, where despite her satisfaction with a painting, the client remained unhappy until they discovered they had different reference photos in mind.

One of her most unusual projects featured a bearded dragon, an Australian lizard that presented unique challenges due to its distinctive scaled skin, quite different from the fur of the dogs, cats, and horses she typically paints. This exotic pet portrait highlighted her versatility in capturing various animal textures and characteristics.

Beyond canvas work, Lutterkamp creates miniature masterpieces on painted stones displayed in a basket on her living room dresser. "I do this when I'm bored," she modestly comments about this intricate handiwork. These small stones feature scenes from Mölln's cityscape, reflecting her deep affection for her hometown where she has lived since childhood. "I love my small town," she shares warmly.

To promote her work and connect with potential clients, Lutterkamp regularly participates in markets, fairs, and city festivals, displaying her paintings to attract new customers. Her upcoming schedule includes the Mölln Handicraft Market in August, the Small Country Party at Friederikenhof Lübeck in September, and the RasseHunde exhibition in Rostock in October.

These public appearances serve multiple purposes beyond marketing. "I enjoy talking with people and getting direct feedback," she explains, contrasting this with her solitary work environment at home where her children's responses are typically limited to a simple "Yeah" when she asks for their opinions on her latest creation.

Customers interested in commissioning a portrait should allow approximately two weeks for completion, though the timeline may extend depending on current orders. Pricing starts at 100 euros, with costs varying based on the size of the finished piece. Each portrait serves as a lasting testament to the special bond between pets and their human families, preserving precious memories through Lutterkamp's skilled artistry.