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.
Also included are an author\'s note, endnotes, a bibliography, and a list of websites where Barnes\'s work can be seen..
The back matter includes Barnes\'s photograph and his official Topps trading card.
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.
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.
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.
Soon after, he met New York Jets owner Sonny Werblin, who was impressed by Barnes and his art.
In 1965, Barnes signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in Canada, but fractured his right foot, which ended his professional football career.
He played for the Baltimore Colts (1959-60), Titans of New York (1960), San Diego Chargers (1960-62), and the Denver Broncos (1963-64).
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.
Ernie saw art all around him: in the dynamic energy of the game, the precision of plays, and the nimble movement of his teammates.
But art remained in Ernie\'s heart and followed him through high school, college, and into the NFL.
Although reluctant at first, he would soon become a star.
Discouraged and tired of being teased, Ernie joined the school football team.
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.
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.
Young Ernie Barnes wasn\'t like other boys his age.
Passing, pulling, breaking down the field--that was an art.
Both required technique.
Both required rhythm.
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
