NEW YORK, N.Y.-- Scott LoBaido described his latest work in one word: "Ugly."

The politically charged artist said this piece, titled "Don't Do It," shines a light on the current state of our nation.

The Staten Island native took to the NFL headquarters in Midtown Manhattan Wednesday afternoon to add "finishing touches" to his painting of a hand holding a lit match to a folded American flag.

There was no time for subtlety: The hand featured an NFL logo on its wrist.

"This is a work of art," LoBaido said when asked if his presence on Park Avenue was considered a silent protest of sorts.

Before setting up his easel on the street outside of the building -- which is technically public property -- LoBaido admitted he expected a wide variety of reactions.

"I am tired of everyone yelling at me about the first amendment and free speech," LoBaido continued. "Nobody knows about free speech more than me."

In light of the recent controversy surrounding the #TakeAKnee initiative, the artist said: "The difference here is time and space. The right time and the right place."

He is not the only Staten Islander taking a stance: Joyce's Tavern owner Joseph O'Toole announced his bar is boycotting the NFL for the "foreseeable future."

Is that going too far? LoBaido doesn't think so. "No, its perfect. That's their right, too, and again, this is my right as well."

While setting up for an afternoon of political painting, the artist recounted the times he's made headlines by getting arrested and reprimanded for his display of opinions.

He also told SILive that this is not actually a protest, but a way for him to creatively express the current state of our nation.

"That's what I'm doing here, to bring attention. It's an ugly image. It's a very sad, hurtful image why I've created here. This is what the people are saying across the country," LoBaido says.

"Don't let it get as far as this painting."