From acclaimed author and illustrator Don Tate, the rousing story of
Ernie Barnes, an African American pro football player and fine
artist
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.
Young Ernie Barnes wasn't like other boys his age. Bullied for being
shy, overweight, and uninterested in sports like boys were "supposed" to
be, 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 would 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.
He played for the Baltimore Colts (1959-60), Titans of New York (1960),
San Diego Chargers (1960-62), and the Denver Broncos (1963-64). In 1965,
Barnes signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in Canada, but fractured
his right foot, which ended his professional football career. Soon
after, he met New York Jets owner Sonny Werblin, who was impressed by
Barnes and his art. In 1966, Barnes had a debut solo exhibition in New
York City, sponsored by Werblin at the Grand Central Art Galleries; all
the paintings were sold. 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.
From award-winning author and illustrator Don Tate, Pigskins to
Paintbrushes is the inspiring story of Ernie Barnes, who defined
himself on his own terms and pushed the boundaries of "possible," from
the field to the canvas.
The back matter 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.
