Born in Dongwan village near Zhongdian, Senior Thangka Master Lobsang Khedup discovered his talent for painting at a young age. Desiring to become a monk and a painter,  Khedup began to study under his first master, Jampa Yinian, at the tender age of seven.  When Khedup was fourteen, his master ascended to the mountains to engage in deep meditation.  Khedup then traveled to Southern India to a Buddhist Monastery for further study.  Studying under the master Sangye Yeshi, he practiced Thangka and oil painting, Chinese-style painting, and Indian Kangra painting, in addition to Buddhism. 

In 2006 Khedup decided to return to his hometown and pass on his knowledge.  Many business people approached Khedup to exploit his talents for commercial purpose.  Wary of such deals, master Khedup avoided businesses and allied himself with Dakpa Kelden, founder of the Association for Cultural Heritage Preservation. Their goal is to help the community and preserve the Tibetan culture of the Shangri-La(/ Gyalthang( region. Master Khedup now lives and works at the Thangka Academy.

Master Khedup is a assisted at the Thangka Academy by Teacher Palden Nyamgal

See some of Master Khedup's Thangka.