Born in Düsseldorf, he became interested in painting at an early age and in 1919 he co-founded the group "The Young Rheinland" with other young painters of the day, including Otto Dix and Gert Wollheim.
During the early 1920's Ulrich Leman was a "Meisterschüler" under Heinrich Nauen at the Düsseldorfer Akademie. In 1927 he befriended Johanna Ey, who as "Mutter Ey" became well known for her stewardship of young and upcoming artists of the day. Leman became a member of her circle, and his works began to appear in her galleries.
At the end of the 20's Ulrich Leman made his first trip to Mallorca and decides to move there. In 1930 the artist finds himself at home in Deya, Mallorca.
This begins an intensive time, up until his death, of major accomplishments. With his renowned style he incorporates the themes of the Spanish island, its landscapes, people and their personalities. No other Artist has understood quite so well, the characteristic features of the island, its appeal and its inflexability and captured it so well in his works.
Ulrich Leman died in 1988 in Deya.