The original 30" x 40" painting of The Morning Breaks Logan, created by using a transparent-technique, is one of a series by the artist Chad S. Hawkins. In 1989, at the age of seven-teen, 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.
My parents, comments the artist, Spencer and Janet, were sealed in the Logan Temple in March 1960, and this painting is dedicated to them. I am grateful for their example of a temple marriage and for their encouragement with my art career. The Morning Breaks series includes artwork of the St. George, Logan, Manti, and Salt Lake Temples. This series of paintings is based upon the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints premier hymn, The Morning Breaks. Within this beloved hymn, lyricist Parley P. Pratt makes the bold declaration celebrating the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. The idea to create this series, explains Chad, came to me after pondering this hymn. I thought about how beautiful and appropriate it would be to create paintings combining the moment of daybreak with specific lines of text within this inspired hymn. The morning breaks, the shadows flee . . . The dawning of a brighter day, . .. Majestic rises on the world. The clouds of error disappear Before the rays of truth divine. The glory bursting from afar, Wide oer the nations soon will shine.My goal is for the viewer of these paintings to visually comprehend the symbolism that is found within this hymn. Just as the glorious dawn dispels the shadows of darkness, the restored gospel promises light to a world waiting in spiritual darkness. All of the hidden images in The Morning Breaks series are based upon events surrounding the restoration of the gospel. In this painting, as the intense sun's rays shine through the tree, the young prophet Joseph Smith can be seen shielding his eyes as he looks into the light of the First Vision. Closing the doors of the Apostasy, this historical event commenced the restoration and truly was the dawning of a brighter day.
This comes in an 11x14 print.