The Raminfard School of Arts Story
Where Art and Community Thrive!
RSA Circa 2005
The Raminfard School of Arts (RSA) was founded in 2000 as a modest passion project in the garage of founder Daniel Raminfard’s father in West Los Angeles. From the beginning, Daniel set out to create something rare: a school rooted in the academic traditions of fine art, yet welcoming to artists of all ages and experience levels—a place where serious instruction and genuine enjoyment could exist side by side.
Grounded in a deep respect for classical drawing and painting, Daniel began teaching a small group of students with a strong emphasis on fundamentals, observation, composition, and artistic confidence. Instruction focused not on shortcuts or trends, but on teaching students how to see and why things work. Word spread organically, and what began as a humble garage studio steadily grew into a thriving art school where hundreds of students have developed both technical skill and creative clarity.
In 2003, Daniel moved the studio into the back space of a dance studio in West Los Angeles while simultaneously working full-time as a banker to support the school. Balancing two demanding careers was no small task, yet his commitment to teaching—and to building a meaningful artistic community—never wavered.
Following the 2008 financial crisis, the largest since the Great Depression, Daniel made a decisive and courageous choice: he left the corporate world entirely to dedicate himself full-time to the Raminfard School of Arts. This pivotal moment allowed RSA to grow more intentionally, attracting students who valued disciplined craftsmanship, thoughtful instruction, and a learning environment that was both challenging and supportive.
Academically rigorous without being rigid, RSA remains deeply rooted in classical principles—drawing, color, light, form, and composition—while fostering an atmosphere that is warm, engaging, and encouraging. Students are challenged to work seriously and think critically, but also given permission to experiment, take creative risks, and enjoy the process. At RSA, structure and joy are not opposites; they are partners in meaningful artistic growth.
Beyond technical instruction, RSA is committed to cultivating a true community of like-minded artists. Students don’t simply come to make strong artwork—they come to belong. Over time, friendships form, confidence grows, and a shared language of art develops among students of all ages and backgrounds. This sense of connection reinforces learning and sustains long-term creative momentum.
After navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, RSA relocated in early 2022 to Agoura Hills, where it continues to thrive today. More than two decades later, the school remains grounded in the same values it was founded on: academic excellence, creative joy, mutual respect, and the belief that art—when taught with care—has the power to transform both skill and spirit.
Located in Agoura Hills, CA, the Raminfard School of Arts offers professional art classes, workshops, and private lessons for all skill levels. We proudly serve students from Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Calabasas, Oak Park, Malibu, Newbury Park, Woodland Hills, Hidden Hills, Simi Valley, Moorpark, Camarillo, and other surrounding Conejo Valley and San Fernando Valley communities. Whether you want to refine your painting techniques, explore new artistic styles, or connect with a thriving local art community, we’re here to help you grow and develop your artistic skills.