Pigskins to Paintbrushes

The inspiring true story of Ernie Barnes, who defined himself on his own terms and pushed the boundaries of “possible,” from the football field to the painting canvas.

Young Ernie Barnes was bullied for being shy, overweight, and uninterested in sports. He instead took refuge in his sketchbook, in vibrant colors, bold brushstrokes, and flowing lines.

But growing up in a poor, Black neighborhood during the 1930s, opportunities to learn about art were rare, and art museums were off-limits because of segregation laws. Discouraged and tired of being teased, Ernie joined the school football team. Although reluctant at first, he soon become a star.

But art remained in Ernie’s heart and followed him through high school, college, and into the NFL. Ernie saw art all around him: in the dynamic energy of the game, the precision of plays, and the nimble movement of his teammates. He poured his passion into his game and his craft and became famous as both a professional athlete and as an artist, whose paintings reflected his love of the sport and celebrated Black bodies as graceful and beautiful.

After a successful pro football career, Barnes became so well known as an artist that one of his paintings was featured in the opening credits of the TV show Good Times, and he was commissioned to create official posters for the Los Angeles 1984 Summer Olympics.

The back matter of award-winning author-illustrator Don Tate's picture book biography includes Barnes’s photograph and his official Topps trading card. Also included are an author’s note, endnotes, a bibliography, and a list of websites where Barnes’s work can be seen.

He realized how football and art were one and the same. Both required rhythm. Both required technique. Passing, pulling, breaking down the field—that was an art.