Ernest Eugene Barnes Jr.
- Born:
- July 15, 1938, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Died:
- April 27, 2009, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Artist, Painter, Athlete, Author, Actor
Early Life and Education
- Born during the Jim Crow era in the segregated South.
- Nicknamed "Ernie" by his family.
- Exposed to art at a young age through the works of the masters.
- Received a scholarship to North Carolina College (now North Carolina Central University), where he majored in art.
- Also excelled in football, which funded his education.
Career and Major Achievements
- Drafted into the National Football League (NFL) in 1959.
- Played professional football for five seasons with the Baltimore Colts, New York Titans (later Jets), San Diego Chargers, and Denver Broncos.
- Retired from professional football in 1965 to pursue art full-time.
- Gained recognition for his unique style, which he termed "Neo-Mannerist."
- Served as the official artist for the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
- His painting "The Sugar Shack" gained widespread popularity after being featured on Marvin Gaye's album I Want You and in the television show Good Times.
Notable Works
- "The Sugar Shack" (painting)
- "The Bench" (painting)
- "Solid Rock Cathedral" (painting)
- Official artist for the 1984 Summer Olympics
Film and Television Appearances
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1973 | Cleopatra Jones | Himself | Painter |
| 1974-1979 | Good Times | N/A | His art was featured in the show. |
Legacy and Impact
Ernest Eugene Barnes Jr., known professionally as Ernie Barnes, left a substantial mark on American art and culture. His distinct style, often depicting scenes of African American life and celebrating the human spirit, continues to resonate with audiences. This brief ernie barnes artist biography highlights his contributions. His work bridged the gap between sports, art, and social commentary, and his paintings are now highly valued and widely exhibited.