Kevin Chadwick, a Southern portrait painter, incorporates history in each of his pieces. His signature style involves applying layers of colors that are scraped away to create a multi-hued background. He then adds realistic portraits to the surface, often representing historic African American figures. Formerly an illustrator for companies such as McDonalds and Hallmark Cards, the Lynchburg, Virginia-based artist now paints full-time. Find his oil paintings on display at the Ella Walton Richardson Fine Art gallery. Ella Walton Richardson Fine Art, 58 Broad Street. Monday-Saturday, 10am-5pm. Free. (843)722-3660, www.ellarichardson.com
