The Dance oil on canvas painting by Freydoon Rassouli. 36" x 48". About artist: Freydoon Rassouli (Born: November 18, 1943, Isfahan, Iran) is an Iranian-Born, American abstract surrealist and visionary artist and author. Inspired and encouraged by his Sufi mystic uncle, Rassouli began painting and learning the poetry of Hafiz and Rumi from early age. He studied with Persian miniature painters at the same time as he was learning European classical and Impressionist painting techniques. At fifteen, he won the title of "best student artist in Iran" and was awarded a government grant to study painting in Europe. Rassouli migrated to the United States in 1963, where he studied painting and architecture at the University of New Mexico, and was honored with the Leadership Award from the Institute of International Education. Rassouli started his professional career as an architect, but later on became a full-time artist, writer and inspirational speaker. Within the past thirty years, Rassouli has exhibited in the United States, Europe and Asia. He has also written three books, and co-authored six books and three card decks. He guides others in retreats, shares his approach to creativity through public talks and in media interviews. Rassouli is presently living in Southern California.