This Salt Lake Temple drawing was made using pen, charcoal, and black-ink wash and is one of a series 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 i mages in his artwork. Before drawing each temple Chad visits the temple site to research it's history, construction, and beautiful surroundings. He then returns to his studio to draw the temple by referring to his notes, sketches, and photographs.
When I am asked which of my temple drawings I like the most, explains the artist, I always refer to this rendering of the Salt Lake Temple. This drawing is special to my wife and me because it depicts our wedding day. Using details from our wedding video, I recreated many details of that special day. On that day of new beginnings, I felt great peace knowing that the Lord would bless us in our marriage as we lived faithful to our temple covenants. This drawing visually depicts these feelings. The Savior is depicted in the tree over the newly married couple. His arms are lovingly outstretched, blessing and protecting them as they begin their new life together. In the celestial glory there are three heavens or degrees. And in order to obtain the highest, a man must enter into this order of the priesthood [meaning the new and everlasting covenant of marriage]. And if he does not, he cannot obtain it (D&C 131:13).
This is a 5x7 print.