Mr. Lucky Art

Mitchell Epstein, Mr. Lucky, is a retired entrepreneur, philanthropist, mentor, author and abstract artist. Why Mr. Lucky? There is an intriguing story you can find in his book, Mr. Lucky: My Unexpected Journey to Success.

Mr. Lucky – Author

How would you describe losing your house to a fire? Being held up at gunpoint? Falling off the roof face-first? You probably wouldn’t choose the word lucky. But Mr. Lucky does―and after reading about his life experiences both challenging and rewarding, you will too.

Whether you’re just starting your career, launching your own business, or seeking greater satisfaction in your everyday life, Mr. Lucky: My Unexpected Journey to Success presents a perspective that will help you become more prosperous and feel more joyful.

Mitchell Epstein demonstrates that you don’t have to be the smartest person in the room to succeed in the business world. His unique viewpoint enabled him to take “the stupidest idea” one co-worker had ever heard and build the foundation for a business that was so successful it allowed him to retire at age 47.

Mitchell Epstein has donated 100 percent of proceeds of books sold to local charities, all supporting scholarships and less fortunate children and families in the community. Those charities are Forty Carrots Family Center, Children First, the V Foundation, New College of Florida, Ringling College of Art and Design and Delta Sigma Pi, the business fraternity.

Mr. Lucky – Entrepreneur

Mitchell Epstein spent the majority of his 25-year career creating strategies and software to help banks make more money and grow more profitable. Shortly after selling his company, US Banking Alliance, in 2006, he and his family moved to Sarasota, Florida. He discovered yoga around the same time and has practiced daily since then. His passion for yoga and mentoring young people helped him recognize that his purpose in life is to inspire people to be more successful in their careers and happier in personal relationships and life. He loves drinking great wine, watching live music, and rooting for the Florida Gators.

Mr. Lucky – Abstract Artist

Besides mentoring and being involved with fundraising events and philanthropy, Mitchell Epstein has found passion in abstract painting. At age 62, he randomly walked into an art class. The next day, he took two classes, and his life has been forever changed. Mitchell found a freedom to explore color, shapes, and movement. The excitement and wonder that he feels is special, different than anything he has experienced before.

“Nothing is what it was. If I have become an Artist, then anything is possible. In this new reality, things that previously would have been labeled mistakes have now become features: interesting and often beautiful. I love this world which presents me the opportunity to explore and learn. Everything is new. I am full of amazement and curiosity. What if I swipe this way or mix these four or five colors together?

How is this body that I believed didn’t have an artistic bone in it able to create art that hangs in so many different homes, buildings, even a gallery? So many unbelievable things have already happened. What’s next? I just have to let go and watch the paint move as it seems to almost always know where it belongs. My role is to listen to the music and feel the beat as I explore the endless possibilities.” – Mitchell writes in his Artist Statement.

His art is about perspective. People tend to see interesting things and imagine different places when viewing his work. Customers even have opinions about which direction the piece should be displayed, which Mitchell loves.  He would rather know how customers see a piece and how it makes them feel than tell them what he thinks.

Mitchell hopes his paintings inspire people to listen and learn from each other and really get to know and respect one another. Then their alternative perspectives can allow them all to live a more abundant and joyful life.

Twenty-five percent of proceeds go to support creative activities for children and adults.

Representation

State of the Art Gallery 1525 State Street Sarasota, FL 34236

Shows

Shibui at Home – two person show July 2023 with Debbie Dannheisser (75 pieces)
Tree Fort Production Studios – in conjunction with the John Logan production of Red, October 2023 (19 pieces)
Wine Woman & Shoes, Sarasota, FL November 2023 (50 pieces)
North Star Fine Jewelry & Gift Boutique, Sarasota, FL 2024 (20 pieces)
North Star Fine Jewelry & Gift Boutique, Sarasota, FL 2024 (19 pieces)
Jewish Federation of Sarasota, Sarasota, FL 2024 (20 pieces)
North Star Fine Jewelry & Gift Boutique, Sarasota, FL 2024 (12 pieces)
Artist Showcase Premier/Sotheby’s Sarasota, FL, July 2024 (25 pieces)

Recognition

Feel It, acrylic on panel 24x24x2 selected as The BoldBrush Award winner for Abstract (the top award) in the month of June. This monthly juried event included over 2,000 submissions. The $3,300 prize package includes a $1,000 cash prize and lots of marketing assistance.
Mitchell was recently asked to teach a workshop at the Art Center of Sarasota.
Mitchell was the first artist selected for commissioned work at the brand-new Jewish Federation Center which is now the largest event center in Sarasota. Final details are being determined but three to six of my pieces will be prominently displayed.
Come On In, 12x12x2 acrylic on panel, is the album cover for It Took That Long released in May 2024 by Marcus Ferraro.
Art Center of Sarasota, An Abstract View (juried show) August/September 2023 – What a Night acrylic on panel 25x19x1.625
FAV15% (jury’s favorite 15% of the entries) in the May 2023 BoldBrush Painting competition – Watching Over You acrylic on wood 16x20x1.5 and Out for a Swim acrylic on wood 16x20x1.5
FAV15% in the June 2023 BoldBrush Painting competition – No More Blues acrylic on wood 20x26x1.625
FAV15% in the July 2023 BoldBrush Painting competition – Nature’s Own acrylic on wood 16x16x1.5
FAV15% in the August 2023 BoldBrush Painting competition – Louise acrylic on canvas 24x30x1.125 and What a Night acrylic on panel 18x24x1.625
FAV15% in the September 2023 BoldBrush Painting competition – Sea it All acrylic on panel 18x24x1.5
FAV15% in the December 2023 BoldBrush Painting competition – Down Stream acrylic on panel 18x24x2 and Nature’s Way acrylic on panel 18x24x2
Art Center of Sarasota Annual Member’s Show (juried) – January/February 2024 No More Blues acrylic on panel 20x26x1.625
FAV15% in the March 2024 BoldBrush Painting competition – Royal Plunge acrylic on panel 24x36x2 and Down Under acrylic on panel 18x24x2
FAV15% in the May 2024 BoldBrush Painting competition – Make a Wish acrylic on panel 12x24x2