Our neighbor Mitchell Epstein is a man of many talents. Following a career in business that enabled him to sell his company at 46 and retire at 47, Mitchell found himself with time to devote to a bevy of interests: yoga, yoga teacher training, starting another business, mentoring, volunteering, donating, writing a book, and painting. His book, Mr. Lucky, My Unexpected Journey to Success, details his early life and how he and his family successfully navigated multiple tragedies. While one might immediately notice a dichotomy between tragedy and luck, Mitchell’s resilient attitude and can-do spirit have combined to generate a life that is both fascinating and exemplary of how helping others makes a huge difference.

Mitchell and his wife, Dawn, recently welcomed Southside neighbors into their gorgeous waterfront home for a special exhibition of their artistic works, titled, Of Course There’s More. The colorful works of art were displayed all throughout the home, and each piece told a unique story as Mitchell shared his progressive journey and increasing expertise as an artist.

Epstein’s artistic journey began somewhat by accident when he and Dawn were on vacation at the Lodge at Woodloch hotel in Hawley Pennsylvania, celebrating their 33rd wedding anniversary.  Dawn was taking an art class and Mitchell joined in. Ninety minutes later he walked out with 6 paintings and a big smile. He had certainly been bitten by the art bug and took two more art classes on the trip. Upon returning home, he signed up for his first two fluid art classes that were offered by Adult and Community Enrichment (ACE) a program of the Sarasota County Schools. At age 62, he had discovered a new love for creating art.

Over the next two and a half years, Mitchell created many fluid artworks, using bold, vibrant colors. He initially chose to work in this medium because he thought one didn’t need “real art” skills to do fluid art, also known as pour art or pouring. However, as his practice and appreciation for fluid art evolved, so did his skill set.

Mitchell is grateful for the artists who have helped him to develop his talent. After his first two classes at ACE, he called upon his longtime friend, renowned local artist Debbie Dannheisser. For the next 11 months, Mitchell spent 5 or 6 days a week “making the biggest mess and having the time of my life” in Debbie’s studio. Epstein is currently working with Laurie Maves Guglielmi, MAAT, an Art Coach who is assisting him in refining his concepts and deepening his mindful connection to his artistic process.

Mitchell has now expanded his artistic skills and has begun the next step in his artistic journey: painting with a brush. After completing several small brush paintings, Mitchell wanted to attempt a larger piece. During the process, he shared his work with Dawn, who had previously painted. She asked if she might “shush it up” a bit, and a fabulous collaboration was born- The Wonder Series. The Epsteins collaborated on the creation of three paintings and had a great time working together. The joy and pride in their work is evident and expressed in their use of bold, vibrant colors.

Mitchell’s  goal is to continue to evolve by exploring color in new ways, creating larger pieces, and maintaining a child-like wonderment about the endless possibilities ahead. His talents have already caught the eye of local collectors, including the owners of the Kokomo Yacht Club, who have purchased a piece to be hung on their 112-foot yacht, Superstar.

Dawn and Mitchell have lived in Harbor Acres since 2008. They have an adult daughter who lives in New York City, and their family includes Rosie, their beloved pup. They have been very active in Sarasota and generously support The Jewish Federation, Children First, and Forty Carrots. Mitchell has shared his love of art with some of the residents at the Haven, where a painting created under Mitchell's guidance proudly hangs in the living room.

Mitchell’s message is one of encouragement and challenging others to try something new, no matter your age or point in life. “What I want to share most of all is how this happened. Very simply, I dared to try. I had zero expectations. I can’t encourage you strongly enough. Try stuff, you have nothing to lose!”

To learn more about Mr. Lucky Art please check out www.Mitchellepstein.faso.com

 

 

“I can’t describe the exhilaration and the joy painting has injected into my life, but I will say my time in the studio is full of thrills and smiles.”

 

“People often ask, ' Have you always loved to paint?” My answer is simple. I didn’t think I had an artistic bone in my body. I’m very proud and also shocked that my art is in so many homes, businesses, and even Sarasota’s top art gallery, State of the Arts Gallery. “

 

“Fluid art starts with the selection of paint colors. Hopefully you can feel the joy as I explored bright colors and tried to inject fun in each of my paintings.”

 

“My message is to try things. You never know what you may uncover or where you will be taken. Regardless of the result, you have nothing  to lose, and just maybe you will discover something magical.”