How can I hide variant images but keep certain thumbnails in the Dawn theme?

[cjonesmn]

I'd like to hide variant images that display under the main product image, BUT I'd like them to show when selected as the main image. I'd like to keep certain thumbnails though like the base image, and one added image as selectable thumbnails (see attached).

Any thoughts on how to achieve this? I'm new to Shopify, BUT I do have some script coding experience. I'm using the Dawn theme. Thanks!