Ernie Barnes passed today and as in any of life’s passings it is a sad day, but as you see in his incredible paintings such as the ‘Sugar Shack’ above & endless others, his spirit will continue eternally ! So let us simply celebrate Ernie’s life and art and give thanks to a brother who so brilliantly captured the sport and art of life around him at all times.

‘Head Over Heels’ – 1978

A child of the segregated South, Ernie strove to rise above racial barriers in playing Football and then pursuing his love of art. His fellow players named him ‘Big Rembrandt’ early on even before he relocated to Los Angeles and becoming the  Official artist of the 1984 Olympics in LA
“One day on the playing field, I looked up and the sun was breaking through the clouds, hitting the unmuddied areas on the uniforms, and I said, ‘That’s beautiful!’ I knew then that it was all over being a player. I was more interested in art. So I traded my cleats for canvas, my bruises for brushes, and put all the violence and power I had felt on the field into my paintings.”

‘Late Night DJ’ 1978
Amongst his many works, Barnes completed a major commission inspired by Bill Withers’ hit Grandma’s Hands “He meant getting people to look past the superficial into the real vulnerable parts of themselves,” said Withers, “He wanted to help people peel away that layer of protection that we all wear to ward off any intrusion into our real private thoughts. He didn’t mind people looking deeper into him. I found that fascinating.”

Fascinating and inspiring indeed ! R.I.P Ernie – your magic lives on – Thanks for the many many memories.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be sent to Hillsides Home for Children, 940 Avenue 64, Pasadena, CA 91105.