Shalu Wangdu was born in a poor family in Shigatse. As the only man in his family, he had to think of learning a skill to make money and share burdens of his mother at the age of 9 due to poor conditions, so he went to Shalu Monastery for learning painting.

After arriving at the monastery, Shalu Wangdu became the apprentice of Master Kelsang who was the abbot of Shalu Monastery at that time and also the local superior Thangka painter of mensa.

At Shalu Monastery, Shalu Wangdu studied Buddhist scriptures in the morning and learnt painting in the afternoon. He was enthusiastically interested in painting since boyhood and had outstanding talent. In addition, he was diligent, so he made astounding advances and often gained compliments from Kelsang.

“I have always treated Thangka painting in a serious and precise attitude. The creation process of Thangka is particular and complicated. Now at Barkhor Street, there are many Thangka painters, but few of them can really follow the whole procedure in a strict manner from bathing, canvas preparation, drafting, coloring, delineating, outlining in gold to consecration. I always believe that the most important thing of Thangka painting is to paint according to weights and measures in the scriptures. To paint a Thangka, I often spend more time than others. I don’t paint slowly, but I am strict with myself.” Shalu Wangdu said.

Shalu Wangdu was strict with himself since boyhood, so his Thangka was the best among more than 80 apprentices in Shalu Monastery. He was the youngest and best painter in Shalu Monastery and his Thangka was highly recognized by Kelsang. Shalu Wangdu said he had apprentices when he was under the age of 18.

When he was 22, he decided to leave Shalu Monastery and make a living in Lhasa.

In Lhasa, Shalu Wangdu was acquainted with many painting teachers and friends. He met Jampa Tsondre, president of Lhasa Caiquan Disabled Welfare School, by chance. He then became an art teacher of the school after being invited by Jampa Tsondre. At spare time during the 8-year teaching career, Shalu Wangdu persisted in painting Thangka. Through thinking and summarizing, Shalu Wangdu gradually has his development direction and style.

Around 2010, Shalu Wangdu and the director of Tibetan Thangka Painting Academy Norbu Sidar hosted the earliest Thangka exhibition in Lhasa. The duration of the exhibition was about 15 days. “I have been known and praised by many people after the exhibition.” Shalu Wangdu said.

After that, Shalu Wangdu decided to establish his studio. One of his friends would like to rent out a room right in Labrang Nyingpa Courtyard. Shalu Wangdu immediately decided to rent it as his studio due to his respect to traditional culture of the courtyard and its advantageous location.

Later on, Shalu Wangdu held his solo exhibition in Labrang Nyingpa Courtyard which attracted many people.

“I have some achievements and many people at Barkhor Street know me. In addition, my work and life have been improved. However, I would always like to spread Tibetan culture. Therefore, I have more than 100 apprentices (some have finished apprenticeship) in total. I teach them painting skills for free of charge. Every day, I stay with them in the studio. I hope they can learn painting and make a living, and also inherit Thangka - the traditional Tibetan culture.” Shalu Wangdu said.