The Artwork of George Sumner of Sumner Studios

About George and Donnalei Sumner:

Environmental Artist George Sumner and wife Donnalei, Manager and Publicist for Sumner Studios/Galleries for the last twenty-five years – have successfully blended a loving marriage with a 24/7 family-owned business.

Their remarkable success story is based on their company dedicated to using art as a tool to educate people of all ages to respect our planet’s fragile ecosystem.

Biography:

George Sumner is known for promoting environmental causes worldwide. He is an environmental impressionist painter whose unique style, attitude and talent have brought him international acclaim and the opportunity to share his vision with millions of people.

His tireless efforts to “Save the Whales” for over the last forty years through his vivid imagery has influenced a generation of Marine artists and environmentalists.

Sumner was born (1940) and raised in San Francisco. He joined the Navy after high school and enjoyed his three-year tour of duty in Southeast Asia (1959-61). After military service he attended C.C.S.F., earning an A.A. in Ornamental Horticulture. He attended the San Francisco Art Institute from 1963-1966. In 1967-1974 he worked as a gardener in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. In 1970 he won a City-wide competition to create the official logo for the Golden Gate Park’s 100th anniversary. In 1974 he began his full-time professional art career.

Donnalei grew up in Hawaii, working in Marketing, Public Relations, Environmental Education, and voice work, for over 30 years. The Sumners reside in Marin County, CA. Their daughter, Megan Lei, works in the family business. Son Sean earned his PhD in Marine Biology and is now a professor, teaching Marine Conservation at Cal State University, Channel Islands. View PDF Bio