Ernie Barns

Many people may know his work from the TV series Good Times. His name was Ernie Barns and he was the artist behind the actor JJ Evans on the TV show.

Barnes came to painting after a career in professional football, as an offensive lineman with the San Diego Chargers and Denver Broncos. Teammates called him "Big Rembrandt."
He could take on a defensive lineman, then commit the encounter to canvas.

I found it interesting that he never painted his subjects with there eyes open.
"We don't see each other," he said once in an interview. "We are blind to each other's humanity."

I came across this beautiful tribute to the late Ernie Barns by J Ivy, the music is from the Marvin Gaye song I Want You.

I think the words of this song say it all, Ernie Barns was an amazing man who's work inspired so many. He will be truly missed.