Jacob Lawrence, 82, whose colorful paintings chronicled...

Jacob Lawrence, 82, whose colorful paintings chronicled the history of black America with subtle emotion and evocative simplicity, died of lung cancer yesterday at his home in Seattle.

A National Medal of Arts winner in 1990, Mr. Lawrence was loved not only for his work but also for his generosity and kindness to those he met.

Lawrence was highly regarded in the prolific art circles of Depression-era Harlem. Influenced by both Matisse and the Cubists, Lawrence was admired for his vibrant imagery as well as his commitment to social causes.