Born in Budapest, Hungary, Odon Hullenkremer began drawing when he was only seven. A few years later he entered a painting in a Hungarian exhibition, taking top honors. As a result of his early success, Hullenkremer was presented at the royal court to Emperor Franz Josef of Austria-Hungary. Later, he studied art throughout Europe and traveled extensively. Most notably, however, he won a scholarship to the Academie Julian in Paris, where he received his diploma in 1929. The following year, in competition with artists from thirty-four or more countries, Hullenkremer won the coveted grand prize of the Academie. Of these formative years he said, "France taught me modeling, Germany taught me color, and Hungary taught me draftsmanship."

In 1933, Hullenkremer moved to the American Southwest to study and paint Indian life. With the help of noted artist Gerald Cassidy, Hullenkremer moved into a home on Canyon Road in Santa Fe, where he remained for 44 years. While in Santa Fe, he became involved in civic affairs, joining such groups as the Council of International Relations and the Red Cross.

Hullenkremer is included in the Dictionary of International Biography and Who's Who in