Lani Chloupek

 by Lani Chloupek

Give the Gift of an Experience – Not Just a Thing

This holiday season, skip the ordinary and give something truly unforgettable –

the gift of creativity with a Raminfard School of Arts Gift Card.

Why Give an Experience?

 

Unlike a sweater that shrinks or a gadget that breaks, an artistic experience only grows more valuable over time.

A painting session, a private lesson, or a creative workshop can inspire someone for years to come.

RSA Gift Cards can be used toward:

  • 🎨 Art lessons for all skill levels

  • 🖌️ One-day workshops in painting, drawing, and design

  • 🥂 Paint parties and creative group events

  • 🛍️ Art supplies and materials from our in-studio shop

 

Whether it’s a friend who’s always wanted to paint, a student preparing for art school, or a loved one rediscovering their passion, this is a gift that sparks joy, growth, and creativity.

How It Works

 

You choose the amount.

They choose the experience – or the supplies that inspire one.

Gift cards never expire and can be applied to any RSA offering or material purchase.

They’re easy to buy online or in person, and we can even personalize them with a message from you.

Make It Memorable

 

Art is more than a hobby – it’s a way to express, connect, and grow.

When you give an RSA gift card, you’re not just giving a lesson –

you’re giving someone the chance to explore their imagination and create something lasting.

give the gift of art.

in Drawing & Painting Workshop / Fine Art Classes / Paint Parties / Portfolio Development / Premium Art Supplies / Private Art Lesson 0 comments
 by Lani Chloupek

🎨 Build Your Perfect Art Portfolio with One-on-One Guidance

Are you preparing a portfolio for college admissions, art school applications, or simply want to refine your body of work?

Our private art lessons at the Raminfard School of Arts are designed to help you build a portfolio that reflects your skill, creativity, and artistic voice.

Personalized Guidance

 

In a private session, you’ll receive individualized direction from experienced instructors who understand what top programs and juries are looking for.

Together, we’ll identify your strengths, improve weaker areas, and refine the presentation of your work for maximum impact.

You’ll learn how to:

  • Select and organize your best pieces

  • Strengthen your technical and conceptual foundations

  • Build a cohesive visual story

  • Prepare for interviews and portfolio reviews

  • Professionally photograph and present your artwork

 

Who It’s For

Whether you’re applying to schools such as ArtCenter, CalArts, or Otis College of Art and Design, or you simply want to elevate your artistic direction, our one-on-one portfolio lessons provide the structure and feedback you need to excel.

Scheduling Your Lesson

Private lessons are booked by appointment and tailored to your goals, medium, and availability.

To schedule your session, go to our private lessons page or call (310) 869-4209

Invest in your growth.

With focused mentorship and expert feedback, you can craft a portfolio that truly stands out — one that opens doors and represents your best creative self.

in Private Art Lesson 0 comments
 by Lani Chloupek

🎨 Join Us for Our Outdoor Gouache Painting Workshop!

Experience the joy of painting outdoors!

The Raminfard School of Arts invites you to a one-day Outdoor Gouache Workshop — a chance to explore light, color, and atmosphere under the open sky. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned painter, this workshop is designed to help you see the world through fresh eyes and capture it in vibrant gouache.

🌿 What to Expect

Spend the day painting en plein air with us as we guide you through the process of composing, simplifying, and layering color using gouache — a versatile, fast-drying medium loved by illustrators and fine artists alike. You’ll learn:

  • How to simplify complex outdoor scenes into strong compositions

  • Mixing harmonious color palettes for natural light

  • Techniques for layering opaque and transparent passages

  • Strategies for capturing changing light and atmosphere

🖌️ What’s Included

All essential supplies are provided — paints, brushes, palettes, water containers, and professional-grade paper. Just bring your creativity, a hat, sunscreen, and a willingness to experiment!

📅 Workshop Details

Date: October 19, 2025

Time: 10:30am – 4pm

Location: Leo Carrillo Beach, Malibu, CA

Tuition: $150 (includes, gourmet snacks, drinks, and supplies)

💡 Why Gouache Outdoors?

Gouache is perfect for outdoor painting — it dries quickly, reactivates easily with water, and allows both bold color and subtle transparency. It’s a beautiful bridge between watercolor and oil, ideal for artists who love spontaneity with control.

🎟️ Reserve Your Spot Now!

Come paint under the California sun and take your color and composition skills to the next level!

 

Register for Workshop Here

in Drawing & Painting Workshop 0 comments
 by Lani Chloupek

5 Reasons Why Learning to Draw and Paint Is Good for Your Mental Health

In today’s fast-paced, screen-driven world, it’s more important than ever to find ways to slow down, recharge, and nurture your well-being. At the Raminfard School of Arts, we see every day how drawing and painting do more than just sharpen technical skills—they provide powerful benefits for mental health. Here are five reasons why picking up a pencil or brush is one of the best gifts you can give yourself.

1. Stress Relief Through Creativity

When you draw or paint, your focus shifts from daily worries to the act of creating. Mixing colors, shading, or laying down brushstrokes engages your mind in the present moment, giving you a break from stress and reducing anxiety. It’s a form of active meditation that allows your nervous system to calm and reset.

2. Boosting Self-Expression and Emotional Release

Art provides a safe space to express feelings that may be hard to put into words. Whether you’re working with bold colors to release energy or sketching quietly in pencil, you’re giving your emotions an outlet. This release can lead to greater clarity, emotional balance, and even breakthroughs in self-understanding.

3. Building Confidence and Resilience

Every time you complete a drawing or painting, no matter how simple, you’re strengthening your sense of accomplishment. Over time, learning new techniques and seeing progress builds confidence—not only in your artistic ability but also in how you approach challenges in life. Mistakes become opportunities, teaching resilience and patience.

4. Enhancing Focus and Mindfulness

Drawing and painting require attention to detail, observation, and patience. As you train your eyes to see values, shapes, and colors more clearly, your brain enters a state of mindfulness. This focus on the here and now improves concentration and reduces racing thoughts, much like a mindfulness practice or deep meditation.

5. Fostering Joy and Connection

Art sparks joy. Whether you’re creating for yourself, sharing with friends, or participating in a class community, the act of making art connects you with something larger—beauty, imagination, and human connection. These positive experiences help counter loneliness and cultivate a sense of belonging.

Final Thoughts

Learning to draw and paint isn’t just about producing artwork—it’s about nurturing your inner world. At the Raminfard School of Arts, we believe that creativity is a pathway to mental well-being, helping students of all ages feel calmer, more confident, and more connected.

Happy drawing,

The Raminfard Team

in Fine Art Classes 0 comments
 by Lani Chloupek

✏️ Drawing Basics: A Mini Lesson from RSA

At the Raminfard School of Arts, we believe every great painting begins with a strong foundation in drawing. Whether you’re a beginner picking up a pencil for the first time or a seasoned artist refining your skills, mastering the basics will unlock your creativity and give you confidence in every medium.

Here are three timeless fundamentals to guide your practice:

1. See in Shapes, Not Objects

 

When you look at a subject, try to break it down into simple shapes — circles, squares, triangles. A coffee mug is a cylinder, a tree is a cone with a sphere on top. By training your eye to see shapes first, you’ll simplify complex subjects and build drawings that feel solid and balanced.

👉 Exercise: Choose a simple object (like an apple or a chair). Sketch it using only geometric shapes before adding details.

2. Focus on Values, Not Lines

 

Lines outline, but values (light and dark) create form. Squint your eyes to blur out details and notice where the darkest and lightest areas fall. Shading with confidence will make your drawings look three-dimensional and lifelike.

👉 Exercise: Take a simple object, place it near a lamp, and draw it using only three values: light, medium, and dark.

3. Gesture Before Detail

 

A common mistake is starting with details too soon. Instead, begin with a quick, loose sketch — a gesture drawing — to capture movement, energy, and proportion. Details can always be added later, but the gesture gives your drawing life.

👉 Exercise: Set a timer for 30 seconds and sketch a standing figure, a pet, or even a plant. Repeat several times, focusing on flow rather than accuracy.

✨ Remember

 

Drawing is not about perfection — it’s about observation, practice, and joy in the process. Every master artist, from Leonardo da Vinci to John Singer Sargent, began with these same fundamentals.

If you’d like to deepen your skills, check out our upcoming workshops. And don’t forget — when you sign up for 3 or more workshops, you’ll receive a special discount!

 

Happy drawing,

The Raminfard Team

in Fine Art Classes 0 comments