Ernie Barnes, the artist known for his painting on the closing credits of the classic dramedy show "Good Times" has died at the age of 70. The painting entitled "Sugar Shack" was also used on the cover of a Marvin Gaye album.Ernie Barnes was also a professional football player. His love of athletics and his understanding of the human form helped him to develop his classic moving figurative style. His interest in art was ignited when he would accompany his mother to her job. His mother was a maid for a prominent attorney. Ernie Barnes would stay occupied by looking at the art books on the attorney's shelves.
Ernie Barnes was also overweight and bullied as a child. He hid from bullies and spent his time drawing in a notebook until a teacher found him and recognized his talents.
Comedian Eddie Murphy is the owner of the orignal painting "Sugar Shack."
