Ernie Barnes

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Ernest Eugene "Ernie" Barnes Jr. (born July 15, 1938) is an American Neo-Mannerist artist and former professional football player. He was born in Durham, North Carolina, and attended North Carolina Central University.

Barnes is probably best known for his painting Sugar Shack which is featured on the cover of the Marvin Gaye album I Want You and in the credits of the 1970s U.S. sitcom Good Times. He also created many other paintings featured throughout the show. Barnes also appeared in small roles in a couple episodes of the series.

Barnes played offensive guard for five seasons in the American Football League (AFL). He played for two teams: the San Diego Chargers (1960–1963) and the Denver Broncos (1963–1965), and was designated as "Official Artist of the American Football League".

His artwork is characterized by elongated figures, usually in motion. Owing to his athletic background, many of his paintings have a sports theme. He was named Official Artist of the 1984 Summer Olympics. He is the recipient of the 1984 and 2004 Sport Artist of the Year Award presented annually by the American Sport Art Museum and Archives.

In 2004, rapper and record producer Kanye West commissioned Barnes to paint an interpretation of West's recovery from a 2002 near fatal car crash. The painting, named A Life Restored, measures 9 ft x 10 ft and hangs from West's dining room ceiling.