MAIN TEMPLE GALLERY CONSTITUTION PAINTINGS ARTIST BIO SPEAKING EVENTS PRODUCTS POLICIES PURCHASE-CONTACT

   
what's new

A Rising Sun
The Miracle of the Constitution
by Chad S. Hawkins

The title is derived from a quote from Benjamin Franklin made at the time of the Constitution's signing. After the lengthy Constitutional Convention of 1787, the colonial delegates approached to sign their draft of the Constitution. As the last members were signing Franklin looked towards George Washington's chair, at back of which a rising sun happened to be painted. He said, “I have often and often in the course of the session. . . looked at that behind the President without being able to tell whether it was rising or setting: But now at length I have the happiness to know that it is a rising and not a setting sun.” The rising of the sun brings with it the birth of a new day with its. Symbolizing the birth of a great nation, each of the five paintings capture the rising sun of a new day.

Although each painting will be true to historic details, the series will follow in the tradition of the early great American landscape painting tradition. License will be taken to romanticize and dramatize the architectural landscapes. The resulting larger-than-life “feel” is intended to match the grandeur of the Constitution. As much as dramatic works of art, the series will emphasize and symbolize the Miracle of the Constitution. Using elements within each painting, this painterly poem will weave the story of the Constitution's origin and fulfillment.

 
  • Nauvoo the Beautiful Temple puzzle will be available in the spring of 2005 at LDS bookstores
  • Religious Freedom Project
  • Additional temple drawings soon to be completed:
    o The Hague Temple (Oil painting)
    o Manhattan New York Temple
    o Newport Beach California Temple
    o Sacramento California Temple
    o San Antonio Texas Temple

These epic paintings form the foundation of a book which purpose is to instill renewed appreciation and commitment to original constitutional principles and to those who participated in its drafting. The book as well as art prints will be nationally published in 2005.

This series was commissioned by the Salt Lake law firm of Siegfried and Jensen. Upon completion the original paintings will tour art galleries for public display. Their permanent residing location will be in the building of Siegfried and Jensen.