Siarta Barre Art

Warm in tone and simple and its figurative depiction, this work is a lovely representation of one of the more elegant moves performed in barre classes. Barre Artist Caron Shahrestani chose to limit the color palette for this piece to keep the hues fiery and fervent. The rich red carpet and translucent mirrored walls allow a sense of depth in this somewhat abstract fitness inspiration.

Caron painted Quads of Gold in the summer of 2015 using various brushes and palette knives to create a sense of movement. The subject is a slender woman performing a quadricep exercise while facing away from a ballet bar. By lifting her leg, the golden subject is seen activating the major muscle group and working it in a small range of motion.

The physique of the figure implies a consistent fitness regime and a clean diet. From a curvaceous booty and long thighs to flat lower abs and toned upper arms, the subject could be said to have a “dancers body”. Or a barre fitness studio with well trained instructors.

Other barre exercises include the usage of an inflated ball, which is why the artist included one in the bottom left corner. The implication is that the ball was used in a set prior or will be used in a set after this one. In a way, the ball offers a sense of suspense.

Measuring in at a modest 11 by 14 inches unframed, the work would complement a home gym or breakfast nook quite nicely. Set in a vintage, gold painted frame, the piece comes alive beside the metallic tones.

11 by 14 inches acrylic on canvas

13 x 16 inches gold painted frame

$195 before shipping

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Centered on a black figure against an almost pastel landscape, this barre fitness inspired artwork is exquisite in its contrast and texture. The combination makes for a visually engaging composition.

Modeled after an intense exercise which targets the gluteus maximus, the all black figure is hinged at the hips and extended in the spine in an effort to exhaust the butt muscles. The pull of gravity makes even the tiniest movements difficult to control in this position, leading to shaky legs and limbs after the first minute.

Using metal art knives, barre artist Caron Shahrestani creates a sense of movement in vertical slashes of texture against the swirling lines carved in the landscape. This gluteus maximus focussed move can also be performed with an inflated ball or foam mat behind the lifted knee, which is why both tools are positioned along the bottom on the canvas.

Art enthusiasts may be interested to know this is one of many canvases that was repurposed in the artists studio prior to its completion. Caron prefers not to give away the full secret, but a completely different composition lies beneath the acrylic layers which are now visible. Neither figurative nor fitness related, the former piece lends one of a kind body to the artwork you see today.

Measuring 11 inches by 14 inches, Inky Gluteus Maximus is a beautiful compliment to any home decor or fitness studio reception area. Framed in a “distressed” style wood painted black, the ethereal tones of the backdrop are contrasted by the hue yet complimented by the lines.

11 X 14 acrylic on canvas

13.5 x 16.5 wooden frame

$195 before shipping

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This group fitness inspired canvas is another example of artwork that implies a ballet “barre” but doesn’t show it. It also takes on a dreamlike, almost abstract quality in the size and staggering alignment of the three figures.

Mixing various earth tones and hues of blue, this one of a kind piece features a trio of of women working their glute muscles with the help of an inflated ball. The specific exercise variation requires the participants to turn away from the ballet “barre” and hold it with both hands for stabilization.

The benefit of using the inflated ball is hamstring engagement, which is required to hold it in place behind the bent knee. Balls are used for several barre fitness exercises as a tool to increase intensity and recruit weaker muscles. For that reason, barre artist Caron Shahrestani often paints a ball in the bottom corner of the canvas when the exercise featured doesnt not require it. One could say its a reminder of challenges to come.

The use of lighting and shadow are employed more in this panting than in many of its predecessors. Caron painted it in summer 2015, inspired by the harsh light of the August sun and equally harsh shadows.

Another unique attribute of Booty Workout with Ball is its vertical orientation, which lends itself well to the upright posture of the figures. Most of Caron’s barre fitness inspired works are based on floorwork and stretches, which lend themselves better to horizontal canvases.

At a modest 11 inches by 14 inches unframed, this painterly piece draws the viewer in with depth and vibrance. Framed in a tasteful gold painted wood, Booty Workout with Ball takes fitness inspiration to a more sophisticated taste level.

11 x 14 acrylic on canvas

13 X 16 wooden frame

$195 before shipping

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This darker, more mysterious artwork is a tribute to the various leg and glute exercises employed using a ballet barre. The golden figure shows a progression from floor work, to standing and leaning poses, to pushups. The “barre” itself is not actually visible, but implied in the hand positions of the upright poses.

Barre artist Caron Shahrestani painted this piece during spring 2015. In the habit of painting indoors, she painted this canvas on her porch during a dry California afternoon. Hence, the backdrop seems almost ominous when hung indoors without supportive lighting. When held in natural light or even direct sunlight, however, the painting shows a stunning array of colors.

One of the attributes that makes this piece unique among Caron’s work is the androgynous head on a curvaceously fit womans body. The artist herself sported a very short pixie cut at the time, but had fallen into the habit of painting buns and ponytails on most of her subjects. The lack of noticeable hairstyle also make the figure seem ageless.

Measuring 16 inches by 20 inches unframed, this canvas adds character and interest to any modern decor. The wooden frame gives the smooth texture of the painting contrast in its volume and deep, detailed grooves.

The name – Exercises for Everyday – implies that the variety of fitness exercises taught with ballet barres offsets the mundane nature of exercise. To be able to workout everyday and not feel bored from week to week is a rare and addictive sensation.

16 x 20 acrylic on canvas

18.5 x 22.5 wooden frame

$225 before shipping

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When artist Caron painted this figurative work based on the downward facing static position called a “plank”, it was on the heels of Thanksgiving 2015. Or as fitness addicts tagged it, #planksgiving.

The deeper red hues mixed with black and darker hues created what appeared to her like a blood-red sunset in its gradiation. The white hot figure at center is in almost super-human alignment for an exercise that requires constant glute and ab engagement. Vertical biceps, flat upper back and straight knees make for a lovely posture, albeit a killer workout.

While painting this piece, Caron envisioned the women who attend evening barre classes, working their bodies to the max at sunset.The figure itself is undeniably feminine, with a tight bun at the crown of her head and noticeable curves beyond basic muscle definition.

She used artists knives and other pointed tools to create the textures and surface patterns that paid tribute to the uncontrollable shake of muscles approaching failure. Those who plank often say they understand this wobbly sensation…

At 16 inches by 20 inches unframed, this canvas is a statement for any naked wall or lackluster fitness studio. The unique wooden frame adds inches but also artistic appeal, as the colorful threads of variation in the wooden finish mimic the long lines of the figure and warm tones of the background.

This painting is one of a kind and ready to ship!

16 x 20 acrylic on canvas

23.5 x 19.5 wooden frame

painted in winter 2015

$225 before shipping

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Our featured artist, Caron Shahrestani, is a woman of many passions and stories. Raised by artistic and musical family in the San Francisco Bay Area, Caron has always expressed herself creatively through varying disciplines. Drawing, collaging, sewing, gardening and cooking have continued to inspire her since her high school days of singing a capella and performing Shakespeare.

In another life, she was a newspaper reporter. At the University of Oregon, she realized that writing, much like art, is a very creative and cathartic process. But somewhere between being a crime reporter for the Albany Democrat Herald in Oregon, a business reporting intern for the Detroit Free Press, and a freelance travel writer for the Honolulu Advertiser, she longed for something more. And joined the Peace Corps.

Four years and many unforgettable adventures  later, she found herself back in the Bay Area for good. With San Francisco rent climbing and newspaper jobs tumbling, Caron pivoted to fashion and fitness. Fashion blogging lead to video blogging which lead to video marketing. During that professional evolution, she lost a significant amount of weight and became a certified Bar Method instructor. She currently teaches at the San Mateo and Palo Alto fitness studios.

Today, when she isn’t teaching or painting, she is building her video production startup – Caron Modern Media – which provides video marketing and photography services to the greater Bay Area. Visit caronmodernmedia.com to see recent photography and video work.

caron@caronmodernmedia.com

caronmodernmedia.com

@caronmodmedia

Caron Shahrestani has been painting “barre” inspired artwork in her silicon valley studio since falling in love with the fitness regime in 2010. Using acrylic paints on canvas, she recreates the long lines and shaky energy of exercises that use body weight and small ranges of motion to isolate specific muscle groups.

Find her most recent artwork peppered on Instagram at @caronmodmedia
Email her at caron@caronmodernmedia.com