Stephen Sumner, with wife Glenda Bailey (editor of Harper’s Bazaar)

In case you missed the opening of “Stephen Sumner: New Works” at the Serge Sorokko Gallery, we have some good news for you — the exhibit will be open through January 5th, 2009.

This U.S. premiere of the British artist’s work, consisting of 20 remarkable new landscapes, gives us a rare access to a large group of his paintings.

Katya Sorokko and Serge Sorokko at the exhibit opening

“It is with great pleasure, indeed, that we introduce Stephen Sumner’s latest work to audiences in the United States,” said gallery owner Serge Sorokko. “His unique imagination and subtle use of color and light set him apart from many other contemporary artists. We are happy to exhibit his extraordinary paintings again.”

Luba Troyanovsky and Kira Makagon, with Tatiana Sorokko

Deborah Durant, Leslie Yu, Gabrielle Feuersinger, Alex Bie

Claudia Ross and Larry Block

Glenda Bailey and Jack Calhoun

Eric Buterbaugh, Juicy Couture’s Pamela Skaist Levy, and Stephen Sumner

The opening was packed with a wonderfully eclectic mix of people from the worlds of fashion, art and philanthropy. However, the best opportunity to view Sumner’s work was during the day, after the party, when one could give it the sustained contemplation it deserves.

We think you will find that due to the mysterious nature of the paintings, there’s always something fresh and interesting about them even after repeat viewings.

The Serge Sorokko Gallery is located at 231 Grant Avenue in San Francisco and can be visited on the Web at www.sorokko.com.

Photos: Drew Altizer