Orbital scene

George Akimoto (1922-2010) was an accomplished Japanese-American artist. One of thousands interned during World War II, after release he became a sought-after freelance illustrator and joined McDonnell Douglas in 1967, ultimately becoming chief illustrator for the aerospace giant. Akimoto also illustrated numerous movie posters during his career, including Dillinger, The Hindenberg, Silent Running and Airport 1975.

While this monochrome painting is undated, it may be a late 1960s to early 1970s house ad for McDonnell Douglas; or perhaps an earlier freelance piece, judging from those Sputnik-oid satellites.

In gouache, about 14.5" x 18."