Tod Haskin Fredericks was born in Milwaukee, WI., and has studied art, art education and fine arts at the Layton School of Art in Milwaukee and the University of Wisconsin. After college he served in the U.S. Army for three years.

Tod is a painter who specializes in depicting African-American military life, has a number of well-received works related to the United States Colored Troops in his portfolio. His professional experience includes work at advertising agencies and as a freelance illustrator, graphic designer and art director.

His newest, The Veteran's Return a limited edition offering released in 1998, offers a remarkable view of the joy colored troops received from their women and children upon their return from the Civil War.

The film Glory, about the exploits of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, was the spark that inspired him to search for, uncover and tell the ignored and forgotten stories of the past, Mr. Fredericks says.