To Paint Series Depicting Evel Knievel's Spectacular Jumps and Crashes

[Godard]

Jun 14, 2010 12:24 ET
Michael Godard, "Rock Star of the Art World," to Paint Series Depicting Evel Knievel's Spectacular Jumps and Crashes
LAS VEGAS, NV--(Marketwire - June 14, 2010) - Artist Michael Godard, whose unconventional style and enormous popularity have given him "Rock Star of the Art World" status, has been commissioned to create a series of artworks depicting some of the most spectacular motorcycle jumps and crashes from the drama-filled career of Evel Knievel, "The Godfather of Extreme Sports" and the inspiration to a whole new "Generation Evel."
K&K Promotions, Inc., the Las Vegas based firm that owns the Evel Knievel brand, announced that the Knievel family will collaborate with the world-renowned artist to ensure that the dramatic series of paintings are historically correct.
The partnership with Godard envisions a series of canvases that capture heart-stopping highlights of Knievel's career, beginning with the Caesars Palace jump and crash that put Knievel into a 29-day coma but made him a household name.
The series will also include the famous Wembley Stadium jump. After a horrific smash up, ignoring the pain of a shattered pelvis and broken back, Knievel went to a microphone and told 90,000 British fans that he was retiring. After he recovered from his injuries, however, the irrepressible daredevil returned to performing and jumped even further.
"I am proud to have the opportunity to bring the drama of the iconic Evel Knievel to canvas," said Godard.
The paintings will be on display beginning in July at the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, which is hosting "True Evel: The Amazing Story of Evel Knievel" July 10 to September 6. Canvas prints of the Godard paintings will be available in limited quantities exclusively through the Harley-Davidson Museum.
Kelly Knievel, the oldest son of the famous daredevil, said, "Michael's style is uniquely suited to my father's flamboyant and courageous character. Like Evel Knievel, Michael Godard combines a uniquely unconventional view of the world with a passion for precision and excellence in his work. Our family loves Michael's art, and we look forward eagerly to the first unveiling at the Harley-Davidson Museum."
Information about the life and career of Evel Knievel is at www.EvelKnievel.com. Information about Michael Godard is at www.MichaelGodard.com. Information about the Harley-Davidson "True Evel" exhibit can be found at www.H-DMuseum.com