Daniel Graves is Director and Founder of The Florence Academy of Art and an active painter based in Florence, Italy.

During this private studio session we learn how the process of creating a painting is deep and complex, and what are some of the challenges an artist faces when painting historical subject matter. Daniel touches on his choice of model and how it ties into the narrative of the work as well as various aspects of his physical process in designing its composition and his personal methods for painting.

The Process of creating a painting takes much more than meets the eye. As Daniel says, there is “no formula for producing a painting”, and the task requires thoughtful consideration of all aspects, from creating the ideal studio setting, to lighting, choice of the model, and the subject’s attire. We enjoy his very distinct studio environment in Florence, the dark walls and single source of natural light set off the model’s skin tones, while creating an atmosphere of almost mystical contemplation.