Hamilton New Zealand Temple Drawing

    The Hamilton New Zealand Temple is one of a series of detailed pencil drawings and paintings created by the artist Chad S. Hawkins. 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. Before drawing each temple,  Chad visits the temple site to research its history, construction, and beautiful surroundings. He then returns to his studio to draw the temple by referring to his notes, sketches, and photographs.

    “As with all of my temple works of art,” comments the artist, “in addition to the temple I include appropriate hidden spiritual images.” With the Hamilton New Zealand Temple, Chad has intricately sketched among the temple grounds, Jesus Christ – Good Shepherd, among his flock and cradling one of his sheep. “I have been fortunate to visit New Zealand on many occasions. A highlight of my visits has always been the sight of the many flocks of sheep gathered along the stunningly lush New Zealand countryside. “He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom . . .” (Isaiah 40:11).