![A painting of a Black male figure leaping over a hurdle in a stadium crowded with spectators. The athlete’s limbs are parallel to the ground and appear to be stretched beyond their limits. The athlete wears a red track uniform and black-and-white track shoes. Most of the painting is made up of brown and reddish brown tones.](https://learn.ncartmuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023-04-11_BARNES_Last_Hurdle_NA_TR_2023_8.jpg)
Ernie Barnes (artist)
About
Ernie Barnes was an athlete and artist who grew up in Durham, North Carolina. He played football at Hillside High School, Durham’s Black high school during segregation. Barnes went on to play football and study art at North Carolina Central University. After college Barnes played professional football for the NFL for six years. He played for the San Diego Chargers and the Denver Broncos. He retired at age 28 and devoted the rest of his life to painting. His signature style of painting elongated human figures in action. Barnes created many paintings that were inspired by his own experience as an athlete. His subjects often relate to sports, dancing, and music.
From Wikipedia
source contentArtwork by Ernie Barnes
![A painting of a Black male figure leaping over a hurdle in a stadium crowded with spectators. The athlete’s limbs are parallel to the ground and appear to be stretched beyond their limits. The athlete wears a red track uniform and black-and-white track shoes. Most of the painting is made up of brown and reddish brown tones.](https://learn.ncartmuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023-04-11_BARNES_Last_Hurdle_NA_TR_2023_8.jpg)