Mesa Arizona Temple 8x10 Print (Chad Hawkins)
When Chad visited the Arizona Temple, he was not only impressed with its beauty but with the desert surroundings as well. In this drawing he wanted to emphasize the splendor of the temple among its beautiful palm-tree setting.
In 1989, at the age of seventeen, Chad started this unique temple series becoming the original LDS artist to involve hidden spiritual images in his artwork. In this temple picture, Chad has sketched a full-length image of the Savior, Jesus Christ, in the palm trees on the left.
Chad Hawkins
Since 1989, Chad Hawkins has been one of the LDS church’s premier temple artists. He has published over 100 temple works art. His art career has taken him to six continents and nearly every temple. His art can be found within sixteen temple cornerstones and hanging on interior temple walls. The original work of his Vernal Temple was chosen to be on permanent display inside that edifice.
Chad began his series of temple artwork, at the age of seventeen to support his two-year mission in Frankfurt, Germany. His portfolio includes many commissioned pieces, and his works are in private collections wherever there are temples. In 2011, he was awarded the US Army War College commision to create the official painting for their graduating class.
He has sold nearly two million works of art and written/illustrated six bestselling books for the Deseret Book Publishing Company. His seventh book, Temples of the New Millennium, was released in 2016 and celebrates the completion of the church's 150th temple.
Chad enjoys all types of outdoor recreation including marathons and triathlons. As an avid distance runner, he has competed in marathons throughout the country.