#barneythedinosaur

[ronaldanthony4]

I’ve created another digital art piece, and this time, it’s a bit different from what I usually do. Unlike my typical human characters, I’ve decided to revisit a figure from my childhood—Barney, the lovable purple dinosaur from "Barney & Friends". While I’m more accustomed to drawing people, returning to Barney felt like reconnecting with a special part of myself. The design I chose for Barney is a fan art mix between the classic version I grew up with and the new CGI design from "Barney’s World". I was curious to see how blending the two styles would turn out, and after hours of work, I found that the final result leans 70% towards the classical design and 30% towards the new one. It makes sense since the classic version is the one I hold dear.

In my artwork, Barney stands in front of his colourful house, with the front door from the "Come On Over to Barney’s House" episode framing the scene. This background is not just any random choice; it represents a place that, in my childhood imagination, was magical—a house where all the fun happened. As a child, I would often dream of being part of that world, playing and singing along with Barney, Baby Bop, BJ and Riff. It feels fitting to have captured this scene because it mirrors the essence of Barney, a character that springs to life through imagination. In my art, I tried to capture that spirit—Barney’s ability to open children’s eyes to the joys of learning and make-believe, to foster their curiosity and unconditional love.

Barney was often dubbed the "Elvis Presley for Toddlers" in his early days, and for good reason. His silly, optimistic attitude and catchy songs were unforgettable, not just for kids but also for their parents, who couldn’t escape hearing them either. I was one of those kids who couldn’t get enough of Barney. The show shaped so much of my childhood that even now, years later, I find myself humming the tunes. I’ve collected quite a few of those classic songs in my music playlists. There’s something about the simplicity and positivity of them that makes them timeless, even if they were designed for a much younger audience.

It’s been over a decade since I last attempted to draw Barney, which feels surreal as I think about it. The last time I did, it wasn’t for a tribute or fan art but for a parody requested by a classmate. Anti-Barney humour was popular back then, and I got roped into drawing a satirical version of him. Although it wasn’t hateful, just a light-hearted parody, I remember feeling conflicted about it. This was Barney, the character who’d been a source of comfort and fun for me growing up. My introduction to anti-Barney humour came from my uncle, who would sing an altered version of the show's signature song, I Love You, with lyrics that joked about killing Barney. It was a common joke back then, and I even found myself singing it occasionally. But as time passed, I began to regret it. I realised that no amount of anti-Barney humour could change the fact that I was, and still am, a Barney fan.

Barney played an irreplaceable role in my childhood, and even though I strayed for a while—succumbing to the peer pressure of making fun of him—the affection I held for the character never really faded. His impact on me goes beyond just nostalgia. The colourful and vibrant world of "Barney & Friends" influenced my artistry in ways I hadn’t realised until recently. The bright, cheerful settings, the simplicity of the designs, and the warmth in the characters’ interactions all planted seeds that grew into my creative vision. Even today, I find myself going back and watching episodes of "Barney & Friends". I know it might seem odd for someone my age to still enjoy the show, but there’s something about its innocence that feels like a safe, comforting space in a world that can often feel too complicated.

Over the years, I’ve seen how Barney has evolved. The newest iteration of Barney in "Barney’s World" has sparked quite a debate, especially with the changes in his design. Many fans of the classic series hated the new CGI look, and I admit, I wasn’t either when I first saw it. It’s always difficult to accept when something so close to your heart changes. For a while, I couldn’t wrap my head around the redesign. Barney’s new voice sounded more like Patrick Star than the iconic comforting voice I remembered, and BJ, one of Barney’s closest friends, had his name changed to Billy. The show also reduced the number of songs per episode, featuring only one or two instead of the lively, music-filled episodes I grew up with.

But then, something changed my perspective. I happened to watch a video of a livestream with Bob West, the original voice of Barney. In it, he talked about how each generation grows up with something different and how culture changes with time. He explained that the new Barney isn’t meant for people like me, who grew up with the classic series. It’s for a new generation, one that’s being shaped by a world very different from the one I knew as a child. As soon as I heard that, I realised that my feelings were more rooted in nostalgia than anything else. Mattel, the company that now owns the rights to Barney, had to make some changes to keep the character relevant for today’s kids. Times change, and so do the things we love.

With that in mind, I decided to give the new series a chance. It was hard at first—I couldn’t shake the feeling that this may not be my Barney. But the more I watched, the more I began to appreciate it for what it is, not what it used to be. Sure, the episodes are shorter, and the songs aren’t as plentiful, but the heart of the show remains the same. Barney is still teaching kids important lessons, and that’s what matters most. I might never love this version as much as the one I grew up with, but I can respect it for what it is.

Drawing Barney after so many years, especially in this hybrid style, felt like a tribute to both the character and the evolution he’s gone through. My Barney is mostly the classic design, with just a hint of the new CGI version. I think that’s symbolic of how I feel about the character now. The majority of what I love about Barney comes from my memories, but I’ve left room for the new generation’s Barney to exist as well. It's a reminder that things change and evolve, and that's okay. The nostalgia I feel for the original Barney will always be there, but I can appreciate the new version for what it brings to today's kids.

Barney has always been a symbol of imagination, and in my artwork, I tried to capture that essence. He’s more than just a purple dinosaur to me; he’s a reminder of the joy and wonder that childhood brings, the kind that often gets lost as we grow older. In a way, this artwork is my way of holding onto that joy and passing it on. Maybe someone who sees it will remember their own Barney days, or maybe a new generation will find something to love about the character I cherished so much.

Looking at the finished piece now, I can’t help but feel proud. It’s not just a drawing of a purple dinosaur—it’s a snapshot of my past, a tribute to my childhood, and a bridge to the future. While the world around Barney has changed, the core of who he is remains the same. And in that sense, maybe Barney hasn’t changed as much as I thought. He’s still the dinosaur who, through imagination, teaches us to love, to laugh, and to learn. He continues to embody the values of kindness and friendship that have resonated with generations of children. As I reflect on my drawing, I realize that Barney's message is timeless and will continue to inspire future audiences for years to come.

So, even if it’s been a while since I last drew Barney, I know this won’t be the last time. Who knows? Maybe sometime later, I’ll draw him again. But one thing is for sure—Barney will always hold a special place in my heart, and through my art, I hope to keep his legacy alive for others to enjoy. Barney's impact on my childhood and the positive influence he had on me will always be a driving force behind my art. I am grateful for the opportunity to bring joy to others through my drawings of this beloved character.

[sttechin]

THE FLAMES OF DISASTER but with a purple dinosaur lmao (still trying to improve my voice impression lol)

[twiztidskull]

It's good ol Barney at Carolina Fear Fest 2024. Things were looking a bit rough for everyone's favorite purple dinosaur these days but you know, great getting to see him enjoying the Fear Fest

[catluvus]

[ad_1] Cat entrepreneurs will fully grasp . . . . . #memes #cats #catmemes #cat #barney #barneythedinosaur #whomsthasawakenedtheancientone #isuckathashtags #ihavenomorehashtagstoputsoimgoingtoputthishashtagthatmakesnosenseatall [ad_2]

[wildandwackypets]

Decapitation Day 😳😬🙄🤣 Any combinations you’d like to see? Sound off in the comments! #wildandwackypets #upcycle #reducereuserecycle #thriftstorefinds #plushie #stuffedanimals #yeti #giraffe #horse #dragon #dinosaur #raccoon #octopus #barneythedinosaur #barney #poodle #koala #cow #flamingo #goat https://www.instagram.com/p/CKhb6sFBxyn/?igshid=27k41ixu391o

[timedaquarius]

Barney and his stand Baby Bop ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ #artmemes #art #artistsoninstagram #yeg #yegartist #yegart #barney #barneythedinosaur #jojosbizarreadventure #jjba #jjbaart #jjbamemes #jjbameme #babybop #purple #green #pink #design #illustration #cursedimage #cursedimages #cursedart (at Edmonton, Alberta) https://www.instagram.com/p/B6RJxrrnksQ/?igshid=1d2gxms27p13o

[msalafia]

Estás cosas pasan cuando uno se aburre... #lluviadememes #mirame #diosito #hombrefiel #barneythedinosaur (en ADO playa del carmen) https://www.instagram.com/p/B3G7LRxAQtV/?igshid=60wz7ob1eflj

[lawass-oke]

Mas Barney 🤣 Original - Minat 085728394499 SMS WA LINE Lokasi SOLO - #ready_lawassoke #barneythedinosaur #mainanbarney #barney #barneys https://www.instagram.com/p/B3ooTDvHm2w/?igshid=1bmtcebckutrj

[demonghostroy]

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Roy Boring II (@iiroyboring)

Barney the Purple Dinosaur motion picture with Chuck (god) from Supernatural #supernatural #barneythedinosaur #motionpicture #pictures #pictureoftheday #weirdmemes #funnyshit #stupid #bear #squid #squirrel #starfish #playingball #chuck #dean #photo2motion #photography #cutandpaste #trueartist #pbs #feature #moving #artistsoninstagram (at Weirton, West Virginia) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx7DANAhS4k/?igshid=rxcimt37gaez

[sttechin]

A Barney impression I'm working on for something special on my older sister's birthday , not the best but I'm pretty happy with it so far! ( Oh and the drawing is also mine I drew months ago for my sisters birthday aswell lol )

[villinus-blog1]

Lol... T-Rex logic. . . . #trex #tyrannosaurusrex #barneythedinosaur #barney #iloveyouyouloveme #iloveyou #purpledinosaur #kidsshow #meme #funny #lol

[justaddthatonline]

Sometimes you just need a little nonsense to go along with your day. #darkhumor #barney #barneythedinosaur All I have to say is this is way older than this girl ever thought about. (at Kentucky) https://www.instagram.com/p/CSIpjzqAwA2/?utm_medium=tumblr

[jabbla]

#runningover40 #barneythedinosaur

[djjackchang]

Everything is being canceled. 🥺 Time for a new corona job. 🤪 #JacksCoronaJobs #barney #barneythedinosaur #barneyandfriends https://www.instagram.com/p/CE6ciHqBqRb/?igshid=armtg4xu88vt

[partha-pidikum]

#chanon #barney #barneythedinosaur #barneyandfriends #dino #dinosaur #dinosaurs #parthaarts #parthapidikum #logo #logodesigner #logodesigns #logomaker #logos #cartoonart #cartoondrawing #calligraphy #3dfont #font https://www.instagram.com/p/CCnUVxBJDGS/?igshid=1ftylexo01r9f

[scottsland-art]

I was given the colour purple by a friend and had to choose 9 of my favourite characters that fit that colour. 1: Clopin - Hunchback of Notre Dame 2: Ursula - The Little Mermaid 3: Beerus - Dragonball Super 4: Barney - Barney the Dinosaur 5: Jeff - The Wiggles 6: James - Pokemon 7: Randall - Monsters Inc. 8: The Joker - Batman 9: Waluigi - Nintendo #9characterschallenge #9characters #purple #justforfun #hunchbackofnotredame #thelittlemermaid #dragonball #barneythedinosaur #thewiggles #pokemon #monstersinc #batman #nintendo https://www.instagram.com/p/CAG2hWsBjxi/?igshid=17arbx43w722r