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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

This season, give yourself peace.

Give yourself meaning.

Give yourself art.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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:

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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.

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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.

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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.

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✨ 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

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When it comes to learning how to draw and paint, many students ask us: “Should I take private lessons or join a group class?” While both options have value, group art lessons at the Raminfard School of Arts (RSA) offer unique advantages that make them an excellent choice for artists at every level.

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🎨 1. Learn from Peers as Well as Instructors

Group classes create a dynamic environment where students can see how others approach the same subject. This builds perspective, inspires new ideas, and accelerates your growth.

🧑‍🏫 2. Structured Guidance from Expert Teachers

At RSA, our small group sizes ensure you get individual attention while also benefiting from the energy of the classroom. Instructors give tailored feedback, but you’ll also see real-time demonstrations that help concepts click faster.

🌟 3. Community and Motivation

Art can feel isolating, but in our group sessions, you’re surrounded by like-minded artists. The community atmosphere encourages consistency and accountability—two of the biggest factors in artistic progress.

💰 4. Affordable & Flexible

Group lessons offer a lower cost per session compared to private instruction, while still giving you access to professional-level coaching.

👉 Ready to join? Explore our Group Art Lessons and reserve your spot in our next session.

How to Choose the Right Art Class for You

 

Starting your artistic journey can feel overwhelming—especially if you’re unsure where to begin or what kind of class suits you best. Whether you’re a total beginner or returning to your creative roots, choosing the right art class makes all the difference. At the Raminfard School of Arts in Agoura Hills, we offer a variety of options tailored to your skill level, interests, and goals. Here’s how to find the perfect fit for your artistic growth.

1. Explore Different Mediums

One of the first things to consider is what type of art you want to learn. At RSA, we offer:

• Drawing: Ideal for learning structure, proportion, shading, and line work.
• Oil Painting: Great for those looking to dive into traditional, rich techniques with slow-drying pigments.
• Acrylic Painting: Perfect for quicker-drying projects with vibrant color possibilities.
• Figure Drawing: Learn to capture the human form through live model sessions.
• Plein Air Workshops: Take your creativity outside and paint from nature, guided by professional instruction.

2. Choose a Class Based on Your Level

Our classes are designed for students of all skill levels. Whether you’re picking up a brush for the first time or polishing your portfolio, we tailor instruction to meet you where you are. No need to worry about being too advanced—or too new. We’ve got you covered.

3. Consider Class Format and Flexibility

RSA offers flexible weekly group classes and one-day workshops. Each session is two hours and customized to your goals. Our small group sizes ensure personalized guidance, and you don’t need to bring any supplies for your first class—we provide everything you need to get started.

4. Find a Convenient Location

If you’re searching for “art classes near me,” location matters. We’re conveniently located in Agoura Hills, serving the Conejo Valley and surrounding communities like Westlake Village, Calabasas, Oak Park, and Thousand Oaks.

5. Learn from Experienced Instructors

Since 2000, the Raminfard School of Arts has helped hundreds of students discover their creative voice. Our experienced instructors are practicing artists who provide thoughtful, one-on-one guidance. Many of our students have gone on to win awards, gain gallery representation, or simply develop a lifelong passion for art.

6. Why Students Love RSA

Here’s what sets us apart:

• All supplies provided for your first class
• Welcoming and inspiring studio environment
• Family-friendly classes for ages 9–adult
• Affordable rates and flexible scheduling
• Specialty workshops every month

Ready to Begin?

Your artistic journey starts with one step. Explore our weekly class schedule or join a workshop to dive in. Let’s create something amazing—together.

Still not sure? Contact us and we’ll help you find the right class for your goals and experience level.

Celebrating Emerging Artists at RSA

At RSA, we believe that every student has a unique artistic voice waiting to be nurtured. Our Student Spotlight series is dedicated to showcasing the incredible talents and journeys of our young and adult artists alike.

Take Sofia, age 13, who joined RSA with a love for manga and now confidently paints portraits in oil. Or Amir, a retiree discovering the joy of charcoal figure drawing for the first time. With guidance from our instructors, these students are not only improving technical skills but also learning how to express themselves more authentically.

Through the Student Spotlight, we aim to celebrate growth, dedication, and the diverse ways in which art enriches lives.