Famous African American artists whose work collectors seek out include Ernie Barnes, known for The Sugar Shack; Annie Lee, known for her faceless figures of everyday life; Charles Bibbs; John Holyfield; Thomas Blackshear II; and Kevin "WAK" Williams. Each brought Black family, faith, music and history into homes across the country through prints and collectibles.
These are the artists our visitors ask about most. Every one is represented in our catalog of Black art for sale, so you can go from reading to seeing the work.
Ernie Barnes (1938–2009)
Born in Durham, North Carolina, Ernie Barnes played professional football before painting full time and building a four-decade career in Los Angeles. His figures stretch with motion and energy. His 1976 painting The Sugar Shack, a crowded dance hall scene, became famous through the closing credits of Good Times and Marvin Gaye's I Want You album. In 2022 the painting sold at Christie's for about $15.3 million. See the Ernie Barnes Sugar Shack print.
Annie Lee (1935–2014)
Annie Lee was born in Gadsden, Alabama, and grew up in Chicago. She worked for years at a railroad office while studying art at night and turned to painting professionally at age 40. Her figures have no facial features, so their emotion comes through posture and gesture. Her paintings appeared on the sets of The Cosby Show and A Different World. Browse Annie Lee prints.
Charles Bibbs
Born in San Pedro and raised in Harbor City, California, Charles Bibbs left a long management career in 1991 to found B Graphics and Fine Arts, publishing his own work. His portraits use bold color and pattern to express spirituality, majesty and strength. He created the Black Madonna image for the film The Secret Life of Bees. Bibbs is our largest artist collection, with more than 180 pieces. See Charles Bibbs prints.
John Holyfield
Raised by his grandmothers in Clarksburg, West Virginia, John Holyfield studied art at Howard University and has said a Barnes print seen on Good Times inspired him to become an artist. His warm, glowing scenes of music, romance and community, including Jazz Lounge, have appeared on television sets. See John Holyfield prints.
Thomas Blackshear II
Born in 1955 in Waco, Texas, and raised largely in Atlanta, Thomas Blackshear II built a celebrated illustration career, including Black Heritage stamp portraits for the U.S. Postal Service. Since the mid-1990s his Ebony Visions figurines have celebrated African American faith and family. His faith paintings, including Forgiven, are among his best known. See Thomas Blackshear figurines.
Kevin "WAK" Williams
Kevin A. Williams, who signs as WAK, is a self-taught artist and Chicago native now based in Atlanta. His WAK Artistry line began in 1995, and his work has appeared on television series including Law & Order and Soul Food. Rebuilding The Black Family is one of his most requested images. See Kevin Williams WAK art.
More artists in our gallery
Our featured artists also include Edwin Lester, Salaam Muhammad, CBabi Bayoc, Andre Thompson, Ezra Tucker and Phyllis Stephens. Explore Edwin Lester art, Salaam Muhammad art and CBabi Bayoc prints.
How to choose among them
If you love movement and music, start with Ernie Barnes or John Holyfield. If you want warmth and humor from everyday life, Annie Lee. For regal portraits and bold color, Charles Bibbs. For faith and sculpture, Thomas Blackshear. For family themes and textured canvas, Kevin "WAK" Williams. Many collectors own several, linked by a shared theme.
Why these artists reach so many homes
Each built a large body of published prints, so their images are within reach of everyday collectors, not only museums. Their work appears in living rooms, churches, offices and on television sets, which helped make Black art part of daily American life.
Frequently asked questions
Who painted the Good Times painting?
Ernie Barnes painted The Sugar Shack, the dance hall scene seen in the Good Times closing credits.
Which African American artist is best for a first purchase?
Choose the artist whose images you connect with. Open edition prints by Bibbs, Holyfield or WAK are an affordable start.
Where can I see these artists' work in Atlanta?
At ATL Collectibles & Custom Framing, Level 2, The Mall at Stonecrest, Lithonia, GA.
Explore the collection
Shop Black art for sale online, or visit our gallery to see these artists in person.
