In 1843, he travelled to Madrid with his father and a servant and was enrolled at the Royal Academy of San Fernando, where he studied with Leonardo Alenza.

It was there that he finally devoted himself entirely to art, gaining a reputation as an excellent portrait painter, but also creating numerous historical and religious works as well as costumbrista scenes.

Ussel returned to Cartagena to take advantage of an economic boom in the area; setting up a workshop and art school for women.

[3] In Lorca, he painted murals and decorations representing industry, commerce and agriculture at the "Palacio Huerto Ruano" (originally a wealthy businessman's villa; now a museum).

Lorca is also the site of his "Crucifixion", in the central part of the apse in the "Colegiata de San Patricio".