He was an apprentice to the Italian artist Attilo Palombi for seven years, and during this time he worked on frescoes in various churches.

[1] Vella was eventually employed by the education department as a drawing master, and he illustrated Albert Laferla's book The Story of Man in Malta.

Throughout his career which lasted over five decades, Vella worked in various media, including oils, watercolours and pastels.

He was a regular participant in the annual art exhibition held at the Trade Fair Grounds in Naxxar.

[1] One of Vella's early works is Villa Borghese sotto Neve, an oil painting which won him a prize while in Rome.