Ernie Barnes : From Pads to Palette, Art of a Former NFL Player

Hampton Art Lovers Presents "Ernie Barnes: From Pads to Palette: Art of a former NFL Player"

Hampton Art Lovers Presents: "Ernie Barnes : From Pads to Palette, Art of a Former NFL Player" showcase of his sports related rare works on paper. Hampton Art Lovers presents these rare works on paper for sale to share the artwork of a former NFL player that excelled in life after the gridiron. As Miami hosts the largest sporting event in America, its fitting that we showcase these rare works on paper for sale to share the artwork of a former NFL player that excelled in life after the gridiron. Sponsored by S.E. Overtown / Park West CRA

Ernie Barnes, the neo-mannerist painter, was also a five year veteran of the NFL. He was the first American Athlete to become an internationally recognized fine artist. The National Sports Academy recognizes him as the greatest painter of sport. NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue said in 1995: "Ernie Barnes is an example to our players that there is life after football. We in the NFL family are pleased that Ernie is recognized as one of the leading artists of our day." Barnes always knew that his passion was not in football, "Throughout my five seasons in the arena of professional football, I remained at the deepest level of my being an artist.”

In 1984, Barnes was commissioned by the Los Angeles Olympic Committee to create five paintings for the Games of the XXIII Olympiad. His other notable sports commissions include “A Dream Unfolds” for the National Basketball Association to commemorate its 50th anniversary; “Fastbreak” for Los Angeles Lakers owner Jerry Buss, and paintings for the owners of the New Orleans Saints, Oakland Raiders and Boston Patriots football teams. One of his teammates on the Baltimore Colts — Jerry Richardson, former owner of the Carolina Panthers — commissioned Barnes to create a large painting, “Victory in Overtime,” which is on permanent display at the football stadium in Charlotte.

In 1976, he created one of his most famous paintings called The Sugar Shack which was later used by Marvin Gaye for the cover of his I Want You album and in the credits for the sitcom "Good Times". During the 70s, Barnes rose to ‘cult status’ appearing on sitcom, Good Times. Barnes became known for his ‘neo-mannerist’ style and the depictions of what he saw growing up in the segregated south: barbershops, women sitting on porches, sandlot games, pool halls, dancing, singing, and religion.

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