Why You Should Start Art Classes Now – Before 2026 Begins

As the year comes to a close, many people naturally begin thinking about fresh starts, new goals, and the creative breakthroughs they want to experience in 2026. But here’s the truth:

If you wait until January to start your artistic journey, you’re already behind.

There’s no better time than right now—in these final weeks of the year—to join us at the Raminfard School of Arts and begin nurturing the artist within you.

Here’s why starting today gives you a massive advantage.


1. Momentum Matters — Begin Now, Not “Someday”

Almost everyone plans to start something next year, but the people who actually transform their creativity are the ones who take the first step today.

When you begin your art practice now:

 

  • You bypass the procrastination of “I’ll start after the holidays.”

  • You build momentum before the new year even arrives.

  • You enter 2026 already confident, warmed up, and creatively alive.

 

Your future artist-self will thank you.


2. You Get Personalized Guidance Before Our 2026 Rush

January is traditionally the busiest season of the year for art schools — including ours.

New students flood in, schedules tighten, and our classes fill quickly.

By starting in November or December:

 

  • You secure a spot in your preferred class time.

  • You receive more individualized coaching while it’s quieter.

  • Your instructor has more time to understand your goals and tailor a plan for you.

 

When 2026 hits, you walk in with experience while everyone else is just beginning.


3. You Experience the Therapeutic Calm You’ve Been Craving

The end of the year is often stressful — holidays, work, family obligations, and the emotional exhaustion that comes with all of it.

Art gives you:

 

  • A quiet place to breathe

  • A break from screens and responsibilities

  • A grounding sense of joy, flow, and expression

  • A creative outlet that reduces anxiety and boosts confidence

 

Even one class a week can radically shift how you feel going into the new year.


4. You’ll Actually Keep Your 2026 Creative Resolutions

Studies show that people are far more likely to stick with new habits when they don’t start them on January 1st.

Why?

Because the pressure is gone.

There’s no “all or nothing.”

It feels natural instead of forced.

Start now, and by the time 2026 comes, taking art classes is already part of your life — not a resolution that fades by February.


5. You Begin 2026 With a Strong Foundation — Not as a Beginner

Imagine this:

 

  • By January, you already know how to mix colors confidently.

  • You understand composition, value, light, and shadow.

  • You have a painting or drawing in progress that you’re proud of.

  • You’ve formed relationships with your instructor and classmates.

 

You don’t just start your art journey in 2026 — you continue it with confidence and momentum.


6. Because There Is No “Perfect Time” — Only Now

Life won’t slow down in 2026.

Schedules won’t magically open up.

Stress won’t disappear on its own.

The perfect time to invest in yourself is always now.

Not after the holidays.

Not when things calm down.

Now.

Your creativity has been waiting long enough.


Ready to Start? Here’s How to Begin

Whether you’re a total beginner or an experienced artist returning to your craft, we’ll walk you through every step. Our instructors specialize in:

  • Drawing fundamentals

  • Oil and acrylic painting

  • Portraits and figures

  • Landscapes and composition

  • Advanced techniques inspired by masters like Sargent, Zorn, Payne, and more

 

And yes — your first class can be as early as this week.

🎨 Reserve your spot now before the 2026 rush begins!

Why the Holidays Are the Best Time to Take Art Classes

The holiday season is magical—but let’s be honest, it can also feel overwhelming. Between family obligations, travel, shopping, and year-end stress, having a quiet, creative space becomes more valuable than ever. That’s why the holidays are actually the perfect time to take art classes at the Raminfard School of Arts.


1. Art Relieves Holiday Stress

Painting and drawing naturally calm the mind, lower stress, and help you slow down. In a busy season, art becomes a much-needed reset button.


2. It Reignites Creativity and Joy

The holidays bring out nostalgia and imagination—an ideal time to reconnect with the creative spark many adults forget they have. In class, you get to relax, play, and explore again.


3. A Meaningful Activity for Family and Friends

Hosting guests? Looking for something fun and local? Art classes offer a shared experience that brings people together—and you leave with artwork you’ll treasure.


4. You Can Create Handmade Gifts

Mini paintings, holiday cards, portraits—handmade art is personal, thoughtful, and meaningful. And you don’t need any prior experience to create something beautiful.


5. Holiday Schedules Work Surprisingly Well

With school breaks and a pause in normal routines, December often brings more flexibility than people expect. A weekly class gives you structure and something peaceful to look forward to.


6. It’s a Gift That Lasts Beyond the Season

Art improves mindfulness, patience, confidence, and skill—all benefits that continue long after the holidays are over.


Give Yourself (or Someone You Love) the Gift of Art

This season, give yourself peace.

Give yourself meaning.

Give yourself art.

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.

🎨 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.

🎨 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

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

✏️ 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