Dogwood Chapel by Thomas Kinkade ~ Chapels of Nature IV, Published November, 2004 - The impulse to worship is not confined within the vaulted ceiling and colored windows of a church. There are places where the bounty of God's creation shines forth with such radiance that the humble heart is moved to express its gratitude in prayer. And in some of those natural shrines, mankind has seen fit to build to provide the worshiper with a modest chapel where we can satisfy our need to pray.

Dogwood Chapel portrays just such a spiritual jewel within a setting of breathtaking natural beauty. A graceful footpath leads us to the door of a modest chapel, lodged within the shade of an overarching, flowering dogwood tree. Even if we are unfamiliar with the legends that link the dogwood to the crucifixion and resurrection of our Lord, we cannot help but recognize that this tree with its lavish white blossoms is a sign of God's sheltering grace, and His abiding gift of love.

Dogwood Chapel is my expression of gratitude for the abundant beauty of God's creation. Just as some nameless congregation was moved to erect their chapel here, I was moved to paint the scene so that I could return to it in prayer and gratitude. I hope that you will return to Dogwood Chapel in those times when you need to soothe your weary spirit.  - Thomas Kinkade

Key Points

1. Dogwood Chapel is fourth in the series Chapels of Nature; Thom delights in painting such “spiritual jewels” built by man as places of worship in the presence of God’s own exquisite craftsmanship.

2. The butterflies and flowering dogwood trees shown in Dogwood Chapel have both long been cherished Christian symbols of regeneration, divine sacrifice and the triumph of eternal life.

3. Dogwood Chapel contains 14 N’s hidden in the painting as Thom’s tribute to his loving wife Nanette. Look closely and you will also find ducks, water lilies and Monarch butterflies enjoying the peaceful scene!

4. Thom has painted the Dogwood Chapel at morning, as the local villagers have gathered for morning praise and the light of God illuminates the sky and shines down upon the humble place of worship.

5.Look closely and you will find four Monarch butterflies, one for each of Thom’s daughters, in Dogwood Chapel.