George and Donnalei Sumner
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.
The Art and Philosophy of George Sumner
A Tribute to George Sumner
CELEBRITIES
Mohammed Ali, Tony Bennett, Lloyd Bridges, Beau Bridges, Pierce Brosnan, Neil Diamond, Clint Eastwood, Willie Nelson, Tom Selleck, Ted Turner, Robert Urich, James Taylor, Steven C. Rockefeller, Jr., Grace Slick, Sterling Moss, Patricia Hearst, Woody Harrelson, Ted Danson, Jean Michele Cousteau, David Crosby (Crosby, Stills & Nash), Doug Clifford (Credence/Clearwater), Kim Carnes, Alan Parsons, Richard Bach, Kitaro, Kapono Beamer, Charo, Ted Danson