For self-taught Scottish painter Sharon Mckechnie, watching Akira for the first time wasn’t just movie entertainment—it was an encounter with a monumental achievement in traditional art. Now based in Austin, Texas, Sharon’s artistic voice naturally draws from a blend of influences: the dramatic lighting and rich textures of classical Old Master paintings on one hand, and the bold, hyper-stylized world of anime on the other. Nowhere do those two worlds collide more seamlessly for Sharon than in the cyberpunk streets of Neo-Tokyo.
Sharon recently channeled that dual inspiration into a new oil painting recreating Akira’s legendary opening sequence. Recreating this specific scene was a long-standing goal, driven by a deep love for what Sharon considers the best moment in the entire film—where the atmospheric weight and iconic score combine to give chills every single time.
Bringing the piece to life required an intense labor of love. Sharon spent an entire month painting detailed, microscopic sections day after day, forming a deep personal connection to the artwork over those weeks of meticulous labor. The result has become Sharon’s most satisfying painting to date. But this is not her only artwork inspired by Akira: also check out the stunning painting “Kaneda! Help me!”, based on another key scene of the manga.
Beyond nostalgia, what drives the artist is a profound respect for the craftsmanship of the 1988 original. Akira remains a masterclass in hand-painted cells and detail, famous for engineering an unprecedented custom color palette. Inspired by that extreme dedication to color and composition, Sharon pays tribute to Otomo’s artistry through the traditional oil paint.
Sharon successfully bridged the gap between classic cell animation and fine art. Discover more of her work at Saatchi Art and through her Instagram account.
