- July 4, 2026
- Updated 1:46 pm
The Largest Oil-on-Canvas Portrait of the American Flag Created
Patriotic artist Scott LoBaido is creating what he believes to be the largest oil-on-canvas portrait of Old Glory at the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C. Despite being an outspoken Trump supporter, LoBaido emphasizes that the message behind his enormous American flag is entirely apolitical.
The Staten Island artist, known for his vibrant artwork, is painting a 9-by-17-foot flag in the Made in America Pavilion, part of the festivities celebrating America’s 250th birthday. LoBaido asserts that his creation is possibly the largest oil-on-canvas American flag ever made. He states, “I am a political person, but that’s irrelevant from this. This flag is for everybody.”
Paintings by Scott LoBaido on display at the Great American State Fair. (Jim West/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
LoBaido shared his insights with Fox News Digital, expressing concern that some people on the left equate the flag with MAGA. He argues they miss the deeper meaning. As he engages with fair attendees, he finds common ground in discussing the flag, its history, and its significance, without delving into politics.
The artist also criticizes those who protest by desecrating the flag, arguing that Old Glory itself safeguards the freedom to protest. He highlights, “That American flag that men and women still die for is giving you the freedom to be whatever you want, and do whatever you want – protest whatever you want. So that flag should always be up in the air.”
LoBaido told Fox News Digital that the size and public setting of the painting distinguish it from his previous works with the American flag. “I believe this is the largest American flag done with oils on canvas at the colossal canvas size of 9 feet by 17 feet,” he said.
He sees no better venue than America’s 250th birthday celebration for unveiling his work, considering the flag “the greatest work of art.” He said, “Where better to unveil, create in public, live, this greatest work of art—not mine, but the American flag itself—at the birthday party of the greatest place in the universe, America, and its 250th birthday party?”
LoBaido plans for the final unveiling to be emotional, taking place on Independence Day, and envisions a permanent home for the painting thereafter. Preparation work for the Freedom 250 Great American State Fair continues on the National Mall on June 22, 2026, with exhibits from all 56 states and territories from June 25 to July 10.
Preparation work for the Freedom 250 Great American State Fair continues on the National Mall on June 22, 2026 in Washington, DC. The fair will fill the mall with 150 exhibits from all 56 states and territories from June 25 to July 10. ((Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images))
Despite receiving interest in the painting, LoBaido floated the idea of the artwork finding a home in the White House ballroom. “Would this not look great in the White House ballroom?” he remarked. Noting that Trump owns several of his paintings, LoBaido joked that if the president wants this one, “he might have to open up his checkbook,” while emphasizing his commitment to donating a substantial portion of his proceeds to charity.