Death-defying feats have fascinated mankind for centuries. Many a hospital trip followed the words “hey ya’ll watch this”. Robert Craig "Evel" Knievel was an American stunt performer and entertainer. Throughout his career, he attempted more than 75 ramp-to-ramp motorcycle jumps. Evel was influenced by Joie Chitwood Auto Daredevil Show, to become a motorcycle daredevil.

A generation of children grew up transfixed by his televised exploits, imitating his stunts on bicycles 1960’s, and 1970’s and I was one of them.

In one of his first jumps for ABC’s Wide World of Sports, Knievel successfully jumped 50 stacked cars.

This painting captures the excitement and imagination of Evel’s exploits in a Plain community farm setting. I wanted to capture the childhood thrill we had on our bicycles imitating Evel but in an over-the-top way. By the way, this painting officially documents the world’s record for the number of cows jumped on a scooter.