Last year we lost one of the most prolific artists of our time, Ernie Barnes. Many people identify his work with the popular TV show of the 70s, “Good Times” (as J.J.’s ghost artist); However, his contributions to society and the arts are more significant than that of the sitcom. We discovered that he was an extraordinary athlete, playing professional football for both the San Diego Chargers and the Denver Broncos. After retiring from football he developed a relationship with his old childhood friends – the paintbrush and drawing pad. Ernie Barnes’s reputation as an artist grew tremendously when he launched his touring art exhibit, “The Beauty of the Ghetto,” that featured sensitive depictions of Black life.
Ernie would refer to his artistic style as “people oriented.” Whether his canvases are splashed with dark brooding colors or with bright sunlight, he celebrates the human spirit as an imperfect yet enduring physical presence that refuses to be defeated.
“I learned long ago to give up words such as can’t and impossible” – Ernie Barnes
AWESOME ARTISTS!!!
I am familiar with some of these pieces by Ernie Barnes. I did not know he had a television career in the 60′s! My mother has a print of the dance scene, the first painting shown above. Barnes art is very vibrant! Bright and colourful! I see alot of movement and sense so much energy in his pieces! He has an amazing eye for detail! Such realistic scenery/backgrounds! Noting the African scenery looks so earthy, picturesque.Warm and inviting. Barnes paintings range from close set intimate scenes to atmospheric crowds. He is not a obvious potrait artist, his work has more of a modern, processed feel! With hints of influences ranging from native african artwork to the study of form similar to Raphael. His work is particulary distinctive, in the way figures have very elongated physiques, which have almost been distorted! As if to westernize the black, african body shape! Very similar to the physique of a size zero supermodel. In his sport themed pieces again you can see his great attention to detail. Highly defined muscles, which seem so taut, firm. Each line defined by the finest of brush strokes! You can also sense so much emotion, in these Sporty pieces! One of my favourites is the athlete, colapsed on the floor! At the winning line. Amazing! You share the athletes triumph in winning of the race, but also sense his exhaustion; having pushed his physical strength to its limit! Which we have all done at some point. Athletic type or not! I guess it is important to balance stressful situations [pressure from job, spouse & family] with non stressful situations. Spending time alone, meditation, massage or a little treat! Harmony. Balance. Mr Bernie Barnes is indeed a very great Artist! Very modern, grounded soulfull pieces!
Ernie Barnes artwork is amazing!! Timeless…I didn’t know he passed away!
That means the pieces I own are going to be worth MORE$$$
Powerful artwork… Recognized the first photo as the artwork inspiration for Camp Lo’s “Uptown Saturday Night.”
What magnificent grace and a life well lIVED!
He joins two other grat artists, Tom Feelings and Ernest Crichlow in the realm of the Ancestors. I visualize them painting all the beautiful scenes together. May they Forever rest in peace.
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