The Raminfard School of Arts Story

Where Art and Community Thrive!

The Raminfard School of Arts (RSA) began in 2000 in the garage of Daniel Raminfard’s father in West Los Angeles. Daniel’s goal was simple: teach art the classic way, and make everyone feel welcome.

Daniel trained under Persian-American painter Houshang Payman, who taught the Russian Realism method. Daniel passes that same method on to his students. They learn how to see and why things work. No shortcuts, no trends. In 2003, the school moved into the back room of a dance studio. Daniel also worked full-time as a banker to keep it going. It was hard, but he never stopped teaching.

After the 2008 financial crisis, Daniel made a brave choice. He left banking and gave all his time to RSA.
Our classes are serious, but never stiff. Students learn drawing, color, light, form, and composition. They also try new things, take risks, and have fun. RSA is also a real community. Students come to make art, and they stay because they belong. Friendships grow here, and so does confidence.

Today, Daniel leads a team of teachers who are all working artists. Many of them first came to RSA as students.
In early 2022, after COVID-19, RSA moved to Agoura Hills. More than 25 years and 5,000 students later, our values are the same: high standards, joy in making art, respect for each other, and the belief that good teaching can grow both your skills and your spirit.