LA Academy of Figurative Art-LAAFA

Van Nuys, United States

5

Closed now

7 reviews

Contacts

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Telephone:
+1 818-708-9232
Website:
www.laafa.org
Address:
16926 Saticoy St, Van Nuys, CA, 91406
Lake Balboa
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
1.2 miLAX FLYAWAY Bus Service-Van Nuys Terminal
1.5 miBalboa Station
1.9 miWoodley Station
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Today

Today 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Closed now
Local time (Van Nuys) 09:17 Friday, 30 May 2025

Business hours

Monday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Tuesday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Wednesday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Thursday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Friday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday –
Sunday –

Description

Specialties

LAAFA has earned accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

The current degree programs offered at LAAFA are:

· Bachelor of Fine Arts

· Bachelor of Entertainment Arts

The current certificate programs offered at LAAFA are:

· Certificate of Fine Arts

· Certificate of Entertainment Arts

Why LAAFA

· Professional Instructors

· Small Student to Instructor Ratio

· Cost

· Mentor Program

· Artist’s Studio Visits

· Studio Space

· Showcasing

· Complimentary Extension Classes/​Workshops

In addition, we also offer all artists the opportunity to take our online and on-​campus continuing education programs ranging from 6-​week classes to 18-​month foundational art tracks.

History

Established in 2002.

The Los Angeles Academy of Figurative Art (LAAFA) was founded in 2002 by Maryam Storm and Leo Stok. LAAFA was started with the intention to fulfill a need in our community by offering figurative classes that would be taught by professional and talented artists. In no time, the school had built a strong reputation as a learning institution that provided high quality foundational training. To this day, LAAFA continues to be recognized as one of the few and premier institutions imparting time-​honored skills praised by contemporary figurative and entertainment artists. With the retirement of Leo Stok in 2007, Maryam Storm, as the sole owner of LAAFA remains committed to providing our community with a place of learning where students can pursue their artistic goals and thrive in their art education.

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7 reviews of LA Academy of Figurative Art-LAAFA

No registration required
Place rating: 5
Fucking, Austria
If you want to pursue a career in the arts, where you learn the ways of the old masters, and by that I mean learning how to REALLY draw, how to REALLY paint, how to REALLY sculpt then LAFFA is the school for you. No school now days will teach you how to draw and paint like Rembrant, Bougerou, Ingres,
In fact many art schools now days do not teach you the most important concept of drawing and that is that in art learning is life long it does not end with a degree. LAFFA emphasizes that. Furthermore many art schools focus simply on art being just paint splattered on a canvas or some weird as hell sculpture that sells for millions and where the «artist» i.e. like KOONs and Andy Warhol do not even do any work at all. LAFFA is very much like how people back in the ECOLE Beux arts were taught, or how those in the high renaissance were taught, in the atelier style, by the end of one class you will have learned how to truly draw which is the basis of all art!
The accreditation, accreditation is a good thing, however it will not mean you will magically teach you how to draw and paint, much like some assume a degree means. no a true artist has YEARS of practice and does not stop because a true artist knows that to be able to truly know that they are good at something, they must remember they always know nothing like the renowned cellist Pablo Casalas once said when he was asked at 93 why he still practiced the cello 3hours a day” i think i am finally improving“
that is what you will see here TRUE MASTERS of the lost art of drawing and painting, modern day Bougerou’s, Rembrants, Franz Hals, Titian, Ingress etc. Who embody the true spirit of the lost arts which many so called art schools sans Cal Arts and 3 kicks do not teach today.
One teacher i highly recommend taking is Rey Bustos, he is harsh, he is firm but his passion will drive you. He is truly an amazing instructor.
Place rating: 5
Eagle Rock, Los Angeles, CA
I have taken only one class here, and it is THE class to take. You know when people say «it’s all connected?» This class will have you EXPERIENCE this as it relates to the body!!!
The class is called «Ecorche,» which is a French word that basically means «flayed» or «without skin.» You build a small-​scale skeleton with muscles out of Sculpey clay. The best thing is that you need not be a sculptor because the material is so malleable and easy to work with. However, what you will come out with is an amazing sense of how the human body is constructed, and how all the parts are inter-​connected, which is incredibly valuable for any figurative artist or anyone who is fired up about anatomy.
I also hear that this class has a cap of 12 people, which is great because you will always get feedback at least twice a day by the instructor. And Rey will DEFINITELY give you feedback.
Overall, Ecorche is an exceptionally unique class that will offer you a deep understanding of anatomy. The instructor is incredibly engaging and has a very good sense of communication with the students. Rey balances a very challenging and demanding class with a fun, spirited approach to teaching. He is a bible of knowledge, with an uplifting energy, and probably one of the best instructors I have come across over my years of studying Art. His passion is infectious and you will indeed never look at the human body the same way having taken his class. This is a class that will help you step into your own body, and if you’re in the medical profession/​fitness/​therapy/​yoga, all those Latin words you heard in training will finally come to life!
Place rating: 5
Glendale, CA
LAAFA is one of the premier schools of figurative art in Los Angeles. The instructors are mostly the big hitter in the business. Among these instructors is Rey Bustos, who is considered among the top teachers in anatomy for artists. I am very lucky to have taken two of Rey’s class in anatomy. His Escorche class is in itself legendary and well-​known all over. Attending Rey’s class is never a dull moment because one can easily get sucked into Rey’a passion for anatomy. His delivery of the subject is pure art form yet all science-​based. He talks about muscles and bones as if he is conducting a full orchestra because the way he puts all the human parts together and how he finds his way around every tendons and ligaments are simply amazing without being too overwhelming. You just want to sit there. mesmerized, and you want more.
I highly recommend Rey’s class to everyone interested in human anatomy… and just to watch this virtuoso performs in front of captive and astounded audience. I guarantee you’ll say BRAVO!
Place rating: 5
Los Angeles, CA
I have taken 3 classes so far and am very impressed with both the faculty and my fellow students.
I took 2 classes with Rey Bustos — Drawing the Figure and then Head Drawing — and I have learned more from him in those two classes than in years at other schools. My drawing has greatly improved and I have finally found a place to get the critical fundamentals that many schools skip over.
Rey is a very passionate teacher and his enthusiasm is contagious. (he is also an instructor with Art Center and Disney hires him to teach their animators). His classes start on time — he arrives early and gets set up — and he gives his all for 4 hours. Rey is an anatomy expert … if you have a desire to draw/​paint the figure or portraits, this is the class that will take you to the next level.
Place rating: 5
Burbank, CA
After taking classes for the last 2 years (2009~2010) at Los Angeles Academy of Figurative Art, I found the school to be a gem among the art schools and/​or art community in the greater Los Angeles area.
From the basic drawing, sketching, sculpting to complicated painting methods, LAAFA provides a wonderful verity for all levels of people who’s interested in Art.
The instructors are all very knowledgeable and passionate about the subject they teach and they are all sharing very generously (if you are serious about what you wanted to learn, this is crucial).
Just to name a few: Rey Busto (3D Ecorche & anatomy drawing), Ron Lemon (painting), David Simon (sculpting), Nathan Fowkes (painting & drawing), Bill Perkins (painting), Ignat Ignatov (painting), Eric Merrell (En plein air), Marcos Mateu (visual storytelling), Etc.
They also have «uninstructed sessions» from Monday to Saturday with a very reasonable one-​time/​per term membership fee. This is the class for people and/​or artists who’d like to practice on their own without an instructor.
LAAFA also holds an open house event before each term. This is the best opportunity to get all your questions answered before participating.
During this event, you get to watch some instructors doing demonstration for free and you can also choose to attend
one free uninstructed session.
Besides all the great stuff I have just mentioned, one of my favorite events with LAAFA will have to be their once-​in-​a-​year «Year End Holiday party».
This event is like a «gallery opening», plus «open house», plus lots of fun with friends.
If you like to collect great art works without paying a high-​cost gallery fee, this will be the event for you.
Or maybe you just want to hang out with artists, friends, and have couple fruit punch and catch up, this also will be a great opportunity. Or, if you’re like me who likes the buzz of a silent auction and to win some great prizes, this will be it.
LAAFA is definitely an art community that’s cherished by many.
I love LAAFA. ^_^
Place rating: 5
Los Angeles, CA
I just finished a 10-​week drawing class and uninstructed workshop pass. I had a great time. Professional instructors, models and staff that are helpful. I have taken classes at other school and studios around L.A. and nothing compares. You can tell the school has talented instructors by the art on the walls and looking at their profiles online, many are from the major movie studios or are accomplished artists. Check them out, they have Open Houses before every quarter with a lot cool things going on.
Place rating: 5
Pasadena, CA
These guys are cool but a little expensive. I took a sculpture and a painting class a couple of years ago.
Hiroshi Katagiri is one of the leaders in Special FX sculpture along with greats like Norman Cabrera, Steve Wang, and Jordu Schell. He works/​worked for Stan Winston since forever.
It was a real treat to be taught by such a master. I don’t think he’s on their roster anymore.
Sergio Sanchez was my painting instructor. This cat is so cool, down to earth and represents our people.
It’s amazing how big this place got, I remember when it was in Sherman Oaks in a building suite. I have not gone to the new location in Van Nuys, I think they’re in their own building now.
I just got their new catalog, and have been scoping out their web page. I might be enrolling in a course or two in the upcoming weeks.
LAAFA now has a «Atelier» program, yes you can now learn a 19th century curriculum in the 21st century. It costs a grip, and it’s full time.
Give ‘em a spin.