If you were watching TV in the 70s, no doubt you’ve seen this painting before.

“Sugar Shack”, by Ernie Barnes (1938-2009) , was made famous by the hit show Good Times. It was also the  cover to Marvin Gaye’s I Want You album.

A little known fact about Ernie the Artist is that he was once a professional Football player! In the early 1960s, he played for the Baltimore Colts, the San Diego Chargers, and the Denver Broncos. 

His autobiography From Pads To Palettes,  available in most bookstores, tells his really interesting story. Here is Ernie’s official website: http://erniebarnes.com/

It goes to show you that Artists can come from any kind of background.

…….Hmmmm… I happened to play a little football myself. Pop Warner for 2 seasons. Wide Receiver and Safety.  Maybe I should’ve went pro, too… .