Celebrating 50 Years of Color
1976 – 2026
Share your memories, stories, and how Daniel Smith inspired your art.
Share Your Memory of DANIEL SMITH
We’re celebrating 50 years—and YOU!
We’d love you to share your favorite DANIEL SMITH Artists’ Materials memory.
1000 characters or fewer.
Years ago, at Fabriano, I was walking along the corridor near the library, where many global art material vendors had their displays. As I was passing by, wondering about the products, John suddenly greeted me warmly—“Hello, dear friend”—as if we had known each other for years. He handed me a brochure and a 5 mL tube of colour.
For him, it may have been a simple gesture, perhaps something he said to many visitors. But for me, it was a turning point. The warmth in his voice and the kindness in that moment truly touched my heart. At the time, I didn’t even know about the DS principles or philosophy—I was simply overwhelmed by the generosity and spirit behind that gesture.
Later, when I finally used that shade, I fell in love with it. That same year, my wife traveled to the USA for work and, without knowing much about the brand, brought back a few DS tubes for me. That was it. I made up my mind—if I paint in watercolour, it has to be DS.
To me, DS is not just a colour manufacturing company. It is a family—one that welcomed me warmly from the very beginning. Even today, this continues that spirit in every interaction. John and Katherine understand each artist’s needs, preferences, and aspirations with genuine care.
I feel truly fortunate and grateful to be a part of the DS family.
–Rajat Subhra b from New Delhi. India
Products Used: Extra Fine Watercolors, PrimaTek Watercolors, Extra Fine GOUACHE, Watercolor Sticks, Oil Colors
Customer Since: 2010
I’ve known John and Katherine since 2016, but welcoming them to Hanoi in 2024 was especially meaningful. Walking together through the Old Quarter, the streets where I was born, and sharing the rhythm, colors, and atmosphere of the city felt deeply personal. It reminded me how inseparable my artistic path is from my roots, culture, and history. I look forward to welcoming more friends to Hanoi.
-Minh D from Hanoi / Warsaw
Products Used: Extra Fine Watercolors, PrimaTek Watercolors, Watercolor Pans & Sets, Dot Cards
Customer Since: 2015
Its such a great pleasure to be a part of the best arts Family In the world Daniel Smith! First days when I got in contact with DS, I always remember how warmly Katherine accepted to support one of my events I organised in my country! From then I always had amazing memories with many People involved! Second warm amazing memories is DS lives with John and especially those days of Pandemic 2019-2020, those live events really gave me such an inspiration and a very friendly memories!
-Besnik X from Kosovo
Products Used: Extra Fine Watercolors, Luminescent Watercolors, PrimaTek Watercolors, Extra Fine GOUACHE, Watercolor Sticks, Watercolor Pans & Sets, Dot Cards, Watercolor Ground, Watercolor Mediums, Walnut Ink, Oil Colors, Water-soluble Oil Colors, Printmaking Inks, Brushes
Customer Since: 2012
Years ago, at Fabriano, I was walking along the corridor near the library, where many global art material vendors had their displays. As I was passing by, wondering about the products, John suddenly greeted me warmly—“Hello, dear friend”—as if we had known each other for years. He handed me a brochure and a 5 mL tube of colour.
For him, it may have been a simple gesture, perhaps something he said to many visitors. But for me, it was a turning point. The warmth in his voice and the kindness in that moment truly touched my heart. At the time, I didn’t even know about the DS principles or philosophy—I was simply overwhelmed by the generosity and spirit behind that gesture.
Later, when I finally used that shade, I fell in love with it. That same year, my wife traveled to the USA for work and, without knowing much about the brand, brought back a few DS tubes for me. That was it. I made up my mind—if I paint in watercolour, it has to be DS.
To me, DS is not just a colour manufacturing company. It is a family—one that welcomed me warmly from the very beginning. Even today, this continues that spirit in every interaction. John and Katherine understand each artist’s needs, preferences, and aspirations with genuine care.
I feel truly fortunate and grateful to be a part of the DS family.
–Rajat Subhra b from New Delhi. India
Products Used: Extra Fine Watercolors, PrimaTek Watercolors, Extra Fine GOUACHE, Watercolor Sticks, Oil Colors
Customer Since: 2010
I’ve known John and Katherine since 2016, but welcoming them to Hanoi in 2024 was especially meaningful. Walking together through the Old Quarter, the streets where I was born, and sharing the rhythm, colors, and atmosphere of the city felt deeply personal. It reminded me how inseparable my artistic path is from my roots, culture, and history. I look forward to welcoming more friends to Hanoi.
-Minh D from Hanoi / Warsaw
Products Used: Extra Fine Watercolors, PrimaTek Watercolors, Watercolor Pans & Sets, Dot Cards
Customer Since: 2015
Its such a great pleasure to be a part of the best arts Family In the world Daniel Smith! First days when I got in contact with DS, I always remember how warmly Katherine accepted to support one of my events I organised in my country! From then I always had amazing memories with many People involved! Second warm amazing memories is DS lives with John and especially those days of Pandemic 2019-2020, those live events really gave me such an inspiration and a very friendly memories!
-Besnik X from Kosovo
Products Used: Extra Fine Watercolors, Luminescent Watercolors, PrimaTek Watercolors, Extra Fine GOUACHE, Watercolor Sticks, Watercolor Pans & Sets, Dot Cards, Watercolor Ground, Watercolor Mediums, Walnut Ink, Oil Colors, Water-soluble Oil Colors, Printmaking Inks, Brushes
Customer Since: 2012
