Racing History
When I visit a racetrack with a long and rich history, like the oval at the Indiana State Fair track, I can almost...
Mobile Manners
“Mobile Manners” by Lesley Spanos. Acrylic painting on cradled Ampersand Gessobord, 11″ x 14″. Copyright...
Stars, Stripes, & Cowboys Foreve...
The rodeo arena was decorated with several huge American flags, which dwarfed the cowboys sitting below them. I’m...
Mr. Bee & Friends Go For A Spin
I didn’t know these kids, but as soon as they saw my camera, they started mugging for it. That happens a lot. Kids...
Mr. Bee Takes Some Friends For A Ride
These two little friends are enjoying the Bumble Bee Bop, my favorite carnival ride. Available on...
Mr. Bee Poses For His Portrait
I don’t know why I love the Bumble Bee Bop so much. I guess part of the reason is because these guys are always...
Blind Side
He’s not really blind, just blinded by blinders. Trainers put all sorts of interesting contraptions on these harness...
Stanley Steamer
I’d never seen a steam-powered car fired up until I saw this one. It was in the daily parade at the Indiana State...
Flare
A harness racing horse I photographed at the State Fair a couple of years ago. It’s painted in M. Graham gouache....
Redear Sunfish
“Redear Sunfish” by Lesley Spanos. Acrylic painting on Ampersand Aquabord, 7″ x 5″. Copyright...
Shades
After a week of painting pets, we’re back to the State Fair. This bronc rider had the rodeo in his eyes, or at...
JP, Chrissie and the Fairground Boys
I can’t begin to tell you how much I love this video of “If You Let Me” by JP, Chrissie and the...
Painting the State Fair
State Fair, USA is artist Lesley Spanos' tribute to the American agricultural fair. "Just about anything I would want to paint can be found at the Fair."
The series is the culmination of years of research. Spanos has photographed and sketched her local fair - the Indiana State Fair - extensively for the past four summers, amassing a large collection of reference material for working in-studio. Ultimately the collection is destined for a book and fine art reproductions. (Read about the project in more depth here.)
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