Daniel Zalla is a painter based in Florence, Italy. He earned a BFA from Xavier University in Cincinnati before moving to Florence to study at the Florence Academy of Art, where he graduated with “Best Painting of the Year” and was selected to remain as an artist-in-residence. He now teaches in the drawing program and paints in his studio in the city center.

Zalla’s work focuses on portraiture and narrative painting, with commissions for churches and collectors in North America and Europe. His awards include recognition from the Art Renewal Center and the American Artists Professional League, where he won the Silver Medal and Best Drawing Award in the 96th and 94th Grand National Exhibitions, respectively. He was also a finalist for the Portrait Society of America’s Future Generation Art Prize and was featured in Southwest Art Magazine’s “21 Under 31” list of emerging artists to collect.

This portrait of Jim Zalla, the artist’s grandfather, was created as a token of gratitude for a man who taught him countless lessons throughout his life. “He has been an example and role model in his hard work, patience, pragmatism, generosity, humility, and love,” Zalla reflects. Painting from life gave them time to connect more deeply — discussing the artist’s future, his grandfather’s childhood, their family, and current events — or simply sitting together in comfortable silence. “I am grateful to have this experience as a memory in my heart and on the canvas.”