
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.

2022年4月、イタリアのボローニャでローリン・マクラッケンさんを通してジョンとキャサリンに出会いました。これが私のダニエル・スミス水彩絵具の世界の始まりです。正直に言うと、1970年代には水彩画を描いていて、いくつかの国内展にも入選したことがありますが、ダニエル・スミスのエクストラファイン水彩絵具で描くことで自分が何ができるのかを知る機会を得られたことは、当時も今も、本当に素晴らしいことです。ダニエル・スミスのブランドアンバサダーであることの醍醐味の一つは、世界中の熟練した水彩画家と出会い、友人になれることです。ダニエル・スミスのZOOMによる木曜のミックスやゲストアーティストによる金曜のデモを通して、国際的な水彩画家から学ぶ機会を得られるだけでなく、イタリアのFabrianoInAcquarelloで実際に友人たちと直接会うこともできます。ダニエル・スミスのブランドアンバサダーに選ばれたことは、大変光栄なことです。ジョン、キャサリン、ありがとう。それから、エセルにも感謝を伝えたいです。そして、ジョン、プロフェッショナルなウェブサイトを提供していただき、ありがとう。.
-Rick A from Mississippi, USA
Products Used: Extra Fine Watercolors, Luminescent Watercolors, PrimaTek Watercolors, Extra Fine GOUACHE, Watercolor Sticks, Dot Cards, Watercolor Mediums, Walnut Ink
Customer Since: 2019
シアトルのダニエル・スミスの店舗は、私にとってまさに「夢のお店」でした。そこへ行くたびに、近づくにつれて期待と興奮が高まっていきました。そして15年ほど前、店舗でデモンストレーションやワークショップを行うようになってからは、素晴らしい人々と一緒に仕事ができる喜びが、経験を積むごとに増していきました。.
今、ブランドアンバサダーとして、そしてダニエル・スミスファミリーの一員として、これ以上ないほど感謝しています。実店舗は閉店してしまいましたが、金曜日のオンラインデモは健在で、才能豊かで知識豊富な素晴らしいアーティストたちとの仲間意識は、今もなお尽きることがありません。.
ジョンとキャサリン、芸術への献身的な支援に心から感謝いたします。そして、ダニエル・スミス・アーティスト・マテリアルズ社、世界中の多くのアーティストを結びつけるきっかけを作ってくださり、本当にありがとうございます。心から感謝申し上げます。.-Molly M from Kirkland, WA
Products Used: Extra Fine Watercolors, Luminescent Watercolors, PrimaTek Watercolors, Extra Fine GOUACHE, Watercolor Sticks, Dot Cards, Watercolor Ground, Watercolor Mediums, Walnut Ink, Brushes
Customer Since: 1993
ジョンとキャサリンに会えたことは、まさに魔法のような体験でした!
ファブリアーノ展にアーティストとして参加したのはその年が初めてで、そこで自分の作品が認められるというアメリカンドリームは、彼らとの出会いを通して実現した。.
私はこれまで様々な素材を使ってきましたが、ダニエル・スミスの色は、スタイルと品質の両面において真の変革をもたらしました。.
私の人生は永遠に変わりました。彼らとの友情は、私の心の中で決して消えることのない贈り物です。.
私は彼らの色彩の豊かさ、特に黒色の美しさに魅了されました。おかげで、絵画のあらゆる段階を完璧な精度で再定義することができました。.
その色彩は鮮やかで、純粋で、調和がとれていて、信じられないほど素晴らしく、他では決して見られない安定感を与えてくれる。.
さらに、水彩絵具の下地などの補助製品を使用することで、これらの絵具はあらゆる状況で絶対的な信頼性をもって使用できるようになります。.
私はその全てに完全に魅了されています。.
ジョンとキャサリン、私の人生を変えてくれてありがとう!-Giovanni B from Latina Italy
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
Customer Since: 2016
最高の水彩絵具ブランドであるダニエル・スミスと提携できることを、心から感謝し、誇りに思います。.
ジョンとキャサリン、ダニエル・スミスとの特別な絆を表現するこの素晴らしい機会を与えてくれてありがとう。.
2014年に家族でタイを訪れた時のことを鮮明に覚えています。バンコクの画材店に立ち寄った際、ダニエル・スミスの水彩絵具セットが目に留まりました。早速購入し、その日の夜に早速開封してスケッチブックに色を塗ってみました。その発色と色鮮やかさに驚きました。他のどのブランドの絵具でも、これほど素晴らしい効果は経験したことがなかったのです。.
その旅の途中で、私はたくさんの色鮮やかなスケッチを描き、その瞬間からダニエル・スミスというブランドに魅了されました。その後、私は自分の絵を描く際に、ダニエル・スミスの水彩絵具だけを使うようになりました。.
2022年4月、私はブランドアンバサダーに任命され、それが私の芸術活動に大きな刺激と力強い後押しを与えてくれました。ダニエル・スミスが私の才能を認めてくれたことに、心から光栄に思い、この上ない喜びを感じました。.
-Capt Prafull H from Pune.India
Products Used: Extra Fine Watercolors, Luminescent Watercolors, PrimaTek Watercolors, Extra Fine GOUACHE, Watercolor Sticks, Watercolor Pans & Sets, Dot Cards, Watercolor Ground
Customer Since: 2026
In 2015, my work was selected by NWS to participate in the Shenzhen Biennial. They organised a trip there for the inauguration, so I decided to attend. Best decision ever.
There I met John and Katherine for the first time, the beginning of our wonderful journey together. I clearly remember congratulating them for their respectful intelligent marketing and their support to artists, it stood out so much of the other companies. I guess it was love at first sight! Our bonding is stronger every day.
-アンジェラ B from Girona, Spain
Products Used: Extra Fine Watercolors, Luminescent Watercolors, PrimaTek Watercolors, Watercolor Sticks, Dot Cards, Watercolor Ground
Customer Since: 2015
Half a century creating magic — congratulations!
I started using Daniel Smith colors around 2018/2019, first buying the small dot samples just to try them. It was love at the first swatch!
I had a few bumpy years behind me, but one thing that never faded — and always kept my curiosity alive — were the beautiful watercolor collections you continued to release.
It still amazes me how intense and vibrant the colors are, and how much passion your company brings to every new creation.
Thank you!-Noeli Naima P from Berlin
Products Used: Extra Fine Watercolors, Luminescent Watercolors, PrimaTek Watercolors, Watercolor Sticks, Dot Cards
Customer Since: 2018
Years ago, I began joining Daniel Smith’s Zoom meetings and discovered not only a place to learn, but a welcoming community of artists. At first I was shy and mostly shared my thoughts in the chat, but John Cogley, Katherine Taylor and the DS Brand Ambassadors kindly encouraged me to participate more actively. Discovering Daniel Smith watercolors also opened a new world of color and granulation in my paintings. Congratulations on your 50th anniversary.
-Erkin Y from Ankara Türkiye
Products Used: Extra Fine Watercolors, Luminescent Watercolors, PrimaTek Watercolors, Watercolor Sticks, Dot Cards
Customer Since: 2023
Tribute to Daniel Smith’s 50yrs Anniversary.
My first experience of Daniel Smith Paints was in the summer of 2017 as I joined Anna Mason’s online school and she introduced me to both Quinacridone Purple and Transparent Pyrrole Orange. After a return visit to Tulsa in 2018 I began adding to my DS colours, the Zeigler Art Store was selling them with a 20% discount, so thinking initially they were too expensive for me, it was the beginning of creating a joyful collection
–Sandra B from NW England
Products Used: Extra Fine Watercolors, Luminescent Watercolors, PrimaTek Watercolors, Oil Colors
Customer Since: 2017
DANIEL SMITH Watercolors serendipitously fell into my lap during a challenging season of my life and forever changed the course of not only my art, but my life as well. I inherited my first 50 tubes of DANIEL SMITH from another artist who had passed away. From the very first moment I tried the paint, I was completely blown away by the consistency, vibrancy, lightfastness, and quality.
Over the years I experimented with other brands, but nothing has ever come close to my DANIEL SMITH watercolors.
This journey eventually led me to watching John’s LIVE sessions in 2021, which became a sacred community for me; an online gathering I looked forward to each week, especially as I navigated tremendous health challenges and an eventual kidney transplant. I was always quietly watching those sessions, even from my hospital bed. In 2023, I finally got brave enough to turn my camera on and even speak up occasionally to comment or offer insights.
Fast forward to today, I am now a Brand Ambassador who has begun traveling the world and spending time with the community I have grown to know and love.
DANIEL SMITH is not just an incredible brand with exceptional-quality paints—it is a community of artists led by people who deeply care about providing the best art materials in the world.
-アシュリー H from Idaho, USA
Products Used: Extra Fine Watercolors, Watercolor Sticks, Dot Cards
Customer Since: 2019
I started painting four years ago and quickly realized that I wanted to upgrade to professional paints. I researched and took the plunge for Daniel Smith watercolor tubes and could not believe the difference in my paintings before and after using DS watercolors. The vibrant colors and variety enhanced everything that I did. I love the way they glide across the paper or blend in just the perfect way. I’m a senior citizen and have found painting to be something that I really love to do.
–Cheryl H from Kingsport, TN
Products Used: Extra Fine Watercolors, Luminescent Watercolors, PrimaTek Watercolors, Watercolor Pans & Sets, Dot Cards
Customer Since: 2022
The incredible connections to the watercolour artists of the world has been created by John Cogley & Katherine Taylor with their passion for community and for every watercolour enthusiast to be welcomed as a part of ‘our world wide watercolour family’. It is my honor being a part of the Official Daniel Smith Family and has been the most rewarding experience… a team who together share incredible insights, skills and generosity, I know I’ve found my tribe!
Thank you John & Katherine.
-キャロライン D from Australia
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, Water-soluble Oil Colors
Customer Since: 2016
I first met Katherine and John at Fabriano in Acquarello 2019. Their friendliness immediately made me feel comfortable with them. After many years without meeting, we saw each other again in 2025 when they visited Warsaw. Together with my friend, the painter Minh Đàm, I had the chance to show them around the city. After six years, it was wonderful to see that they were still as warm and friendly as I remembered.
-Tiger H from Warsaw
Products Used: Extra Fine Watercolors, PrimaTek Watercolors
Customer Since: 2019
I was seduced by the Lapis Lazuli genuine. I continue to love the high-quality of each new color that I try. I enjoy exploring the dramatic granulation and blossoms.
Six years ago this month I started participating in the live online events. I am so happy to have found my art community. I appreciate how it is online- giving me the freedom to stay in contact with each new move.
Congratulations for 50 years! I look forward to growing another 50 years with Daniel Smith.
-アンナ・マリー S from Italy
Products Used: プリマテック水彩絵具
Customer Since: 2013
2015年にダニエル・スミスの水彩絵具に出会い、たちまちその魅力に虜になりました。豊かな発色、美しい粒状感、そして繊細な輝きが、私の作品に深みと個性を与えてくれます。2018年にフランクフルトで開催されたクリエイティブワールドで、ジョン・コグリーとキャサリン・テイラーに出会い、彼らがアーティストと真摯に向き合う姿に感銘を受けました。そして今、ダニエル・スミスの50周年という記念すべき年に、このコミュニティの一員として活動できることを、大変意義深く、そして刺激的なことだと感じています。.
-Valentyna K from Germany
Products Used: Extra Fine Watercolors, Luminescent Watercolors, PrimaTek Watercolors, Watercolor Sticks, Watercolor Pans & Sets, Dot Cards, Watercolor Mediums, Walnut Ink
Customer Since: 2015
My first time was during an event in Italy in 2016, with my husband, we met John and Katherine; I discovered Duochrome Blue Pearl and Duochrome Emerald along with Lunar Black and admired all the Primatek stones on the table. From then to nowadays I fell in love with all the products, being "brave" to explore them in different ways and creating something unique and meaningful. I deeply loved to have been lucky to visit the Seattle factory, witnessing the passion on making artists' materials.
-レティツィア M from Italy
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, Water-soluble Oil Colors
Customer Since: 2016
I still remember when Katherine gave me the Ultimate Mixing Set (15 half pans) back in 2019. It was my first experience with Daniel Smith watercolors, and from the very first brushstroke I could see the difference. The richness of the pigments and the way the colors mixed opened up a whole new range of possibilities in my work. Since then, they’ve become an essential part of my painting process.
-Johnny P from Greece
Products Used: Extra Fine Watercolors, PrimaTek Watercolors, Extra Fine GOUACHE, Watercolor Pans & Sets, Dot Cards
Customer Since: 2019
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
2022年4月、イタリアのボローニャでローリン・マクラッケンさんを通してジョンとキャサリンに出会いました。これが私のダニエル・スミス水彩絵具の世界の始まりです。正直に言うと、1970年代には水彩画を描いていて、いくつかの国内展にも入選したことがありますが、ダニエル・スミスのエクストラファイン水彩絵具で描くことで自分が何ができるのかを知る機会を得られたことは、当時も今も、本当に素晴らしいことです。ダニエル・スミスのブランドアンバサダーであることの醍醐味の一つは、世界中の熟練した水彩画家と出会い、友人になれることです。ダニエル・スミスのZOOMによる木曜のミックスやゲストアーティストによる金曜のデモを通して、国際的な水彩画家から学ぶ機会を得られるだけでなく、イタリアのFabrianoInAcquarelloで実際に友人たちと直接会うこともできます。ダニエル・スミスのブランドアンバサダーに選ばれたことは、大変光栄なことです。ジョン、キャサリン、ありがとう。それから、エセルにも感謝を伝えたいです。そして、ジョン、プロフェッショナルなウェブサイトを提供していただき、ありがとう。.
-Rick A from Mississippi, USA
Products Used: Extra Fine Watercolors, Luminescent Watercolors, PrimaTek Watercolors, Extra Fine GOUACHE, Watercolor Sticks, Dot Cards, Watercolor Mediums, Walnut Ink
Customer Since: 2019
シアトルのダニエル・スミスの店舗は、私にとってまさに「夢のお店」でした。そこへ行くたびに、近づくにつれて期待と興奮が高まっていきました。そして15年ほど前、店舗でデモンストレーションやワークショップを行うようになってからは、素晴らしい人々と一緒に仕事ができる喜びが、経験を積むごとに増していきました。.
今、ブランドアンバサダーとして、そしてダニエル・スミスファミリーの一員として、これ以上ないほど感謝しています。実店舗は閉店してしまいましたが、金曜日のオンラインデモは健在で、才能豊かで知識豊富な素晴らしいアーティストたちとの仲間意識は、今もなお尽きることがありません。.
ジョンとキャサリン、芸術への献身的な支援に心から感謝いたします。そして、ダニエル・スミス・アーティスト・マテリアルズ社、世界中の多くのアーティストを結びつけるきっかけを作ってくださり、本当にありがとうございます。心から感謝申し上げます。.-Molly M from Kirkland, WA
Products Used: Extra Fine Watercolors, Luminescent Watercolors, PrimaTek Watercolors, Extra Fine GOUACHE, Watercolor Sticks, Dot Cards, Watercolor Ground, Watercolor Mediums, Walnut Ink, Brushes
Customer Since: 1993
ジョンとキャサリンに会えたことは、まさに魔法のような体験でした!
ファブリアーノ展にアーティストとして参加したのはその年が初めてで、そこで自分の作品が認められるというアメリカンドリームは、彼らとの出会いを通して実現した。.
私はこれまで様々な素材を使ってきましたが、ダニエル・スミスの色は、スタイルと品質の両面において真の変革をもたらしました。.
私の人生は永遠に変わりました。彼らとの友情は、私の心の中で決して消えることのない贈り物です。.
私は彼らの色彩の豊かさ、特に黒色の美しさに魅了されました。おかげで、絵画のあらゆる段階を完璧な精度で再定義することができました。.
その色彩は鮮やかで、純粋で、調和がとれていて、信じられないほど素晴らしく、他では決して見られない安定感を与えてくれる。.
さらに、水彩絵具の下地などの補助製品を使用することで、これらの絵具はあらゆる状況で絶対的な信頼性をもって使用できるようになります。.
私はその全てに完全に魅了されています。.
ジョンとキャサリン、私の人生を変えてくれてありがとう!-Giovanni B from Latina Italy
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
Customer Since: 2016
最高の水彩絵具ブランドであるダニエル・スミスと提携できることを、心から感謝し、誇りに思います。.
ジョンとキャサリン、ダニエル・スミスとの特別な絆を表現するこの素晴らしい機会を与えてくれてありがとう。.
2014年に家族でタイを訪れた時のことを鮮明に覚えています。バンコクの画材店に立ち寄った際、ダニエル・スミスの水彩絵具セットが目に留まりました。早速購入し、その日の夜に早速開封してスケッチブックに色を塗ってみました。その発色と色鮮やかさに驚きました。他のどのブランドの絵具でも、これほど素晴らしい効果は経験したことがなかったのです。.
その旅の途中で、私はたくさんの色鮮やかなスケッチを描き、その瞬間からダニエル・スミスというブランドに魅了されました。その後、私は自分の絵を描く際に、ダニエル・スミスの水彩絵具だけを使うようになりました。.
2022年4月、私はブランドアンバサダーに任命され、それが私の芸術活動に大きな刺激と力強い後押しを与えてくれました。ダニエル・スミスが私の才能を認めてくれたことに、心から光栄に思い、この上ない喜びを感じました。.
-Capt Prafull H from Pune.India
Products Used: Extra Fine Watercolors, Luminescent Watercolors, PrimaTek Watercolors, Extra Fine GOUACHE, Watercolor Sticks, Watercolor Pans & Sets, Dot Cards, Watercolor Ground
Customer Since: 2026
In 2015, my work was selected by NWS to participate in the Shenzhen Biennial. They organised a trip there for the inauguration, so I decided to attend. Best decision ever.
There I met John and Katherine for the first time, the beginning of our wonderful journey together. I clearly remember congratulating them for their respectful intelligent marketing and their support to artists, it stood out so much of the other companies. I guess it was love at first sight! Our bonding is stronger every day.
-アンジェラ B from Girona, Spain
Products Used: Extra Fine Watercolors, Luminescent Watercolors, PrimaTek Watercolors, Watercolor Sticks, Dot Cards, Watercolor Ground
Customer Since: 2015
Half a century creating magic — congratulations!
I started using Daniel Smith colors around 2018/2019, first buying the small dot samples just to try them. It was love at the first swatch!
I had a few bumpy years behind me, but one thing that never faded — and always kept my curiosity alive — were the beautiful watercolor collections you continued to release.
It still amazes me how intense and vibrant the colors are, and how much passion your company brings to every new creation.
Thank you!-Noeli Naima P from Berlin
Products Used: Extra Fine Watercolors, Luminescent Watercolors, PrimaTek Watercolors, Watercolor Sticks, Dot Cards
Customer Since: 2018
Years ago, I began joining Daniel Smith’s Zoom meetings and discovered not only a place to learn, but a welcoming community of artists. At first I was shy and mostly shared my thoughts in the chat, but John Cogley, Katherine Taylor and the DS Brand Ambassadors kindly encouraged me to participate more actively. Discovering Daniel Smith watercolors also opened a new world of color and granulation in my paintings. Congratulations on your 50th anniversary.
-Erkin Y from Ankara Türkiye
Products Used: Extra Fine Watercolors, Luminescent Watercolors, PrimaTek Watercolors, Watercolor Sticks, Dot Cards
Customer Since: 2023
Tribute to Daniel Smith’s 50yrs Anniversary.
My first experience of Daniel Smith Paints was in the summer of 2017 as I joined Anna Mason’s online school and she introduced me to both Quinacridone Purple and Transparent Pyrrole Orange. After a return visit to Tulsa in 2018 I began adding to my DS colours, the Zeigler Art Store was selling them with a 20% discount, so thinking initially they were too expensive for me, it was the beginning of creating a joyful collection
–Sandra B from NW England
Products Used: Extra Fine Watercolors, Luminescent Watercolors, PrimaTek Watercolors, Oil Colors
Customer Since: 2017
DANIEL SMITH Watercolors serendipitously fell into my lap during a challenging season of my life and forever changed the course of not only my art, but my life as well. I inherited my first 50 tubes of DANIEL SMITH from another artist who had passed away. From the very first moment I tried the paint, I was completely blown away by the consistency, vibrancy, lightfastness, and quality.
Over the years I experimented with other brands, but nothing has ever come close to my DANIEL SMITH watercolors.
This journey eventually led me to watching John’s LIVE sessions in 2021, which became a sacred community for me; an online gathering I looked forward to each week, especially as I navigated tremendous health challenges and an eventual kidney transplant. I was always quietly watching those sessions, even from my hospital bed. In 2023, I finally got brave enough to turn my camera on and even speak up occasionally to comment or offer insights.
Fast forward to today, I am now a Brand Ambassador who has begun traveling the world and spending time with the community I have grown to know and love.
DANIEL SMITH is not just an incredible brand with exceptional-quality paints—it is a community of artists led by people who deeply care about providing the best art materials in the world.
-アシュリー H from Idaho, USA
Products Used: Extra Fine Watercolors, Watercolor Sticks, Dot Cards
Customer Since: 2019
I started painting four years ago and quickly realized that I wanted to upgrade to professional paints. I researched and took the plunge for Daniel Smith watercolor tubes and could not believe the difference in my paintings before and after using DS watercolors. The vibrant colors and variety enhanced everything that I did. I love the way they glide across the paper or blend in just the perfect way. I’m a senior citizen and have found painting to be something that I really love to do.
–Cheryl H from Kingsport, TN
Products Used: Extra Fine Watercolors, Luminescent Watercolors, PrimaTek Watercolors, Watercolor Pans & Sets, Dot Cards
Customer Since: 2022
The incredible connections to the watercolour artists of the world has been created by John Cogley & Katherine Taylor with their passion for community and for every watercolour enthusiast to be welcomed as a part of ‘our world wide watercolour family’. It is my honor being a part of the Official Daniel Smith Family and has been the most rewarding experience… a team who together share incredible insights, skills and generosity, I know I’ve found my tribe!
Thank you John & Katherine.
-キャロライン D from Australia
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, Water-soluble Oil Colors
Customer Since: 2016
I first met Katherine and John at Fabriano in Acquarello 2019. Their friendliness immediately made me feel comfortable with them. After many years without meeting, we saw each other again in 2025 when they visited Warsaw. Together with my friend, the painter Minh Đàm, I had the chance to show them around the city. After six years, it was wonderful to see that they were still as warm and friendly as I remembered.
-Tiger H from Warsaw
Products Used: Extra Fine Watercolors, PrimaTek Watercolors
Customer Since: 2019
I was seduced by the Lapis Lazuli genuine. I continue to love the high-quality of each new color that I try. I enjoy exploring the dramatic granulation and blossoms.
Six years ago this month I started participating in the live online events. I am so happy to have found my art community. I appreciate how it is online- giving me the freedom to stay in contact with each new move.
Congratulations for 50 years! I look forward to growing another 50 years with Daniel Smith.
-アンナ・マリー S from Italy
Products Used: プリマテック水彩絵具
Customer Since: 2013
2015年にダニエル・スミスの水彩絵具に出会い、たちまちその魅力に虜になりました。豊かな発色、美しい粒状感、そして繊細な輝きが、私の作品に深みと個性を与えてくれます。2018年にフランクフルトで開催されたクリエイティブワールドで、ジョン・コグリーとキャサリン・テイラーに出会い、彼らがアーティストと真摯に向き合う姿に感銘を受けました。そして今、ダニエル・スミスの50周年という記念すべき年に、このコミュニティの一員として活動できることを、大変意義深く、そして刺激的なことだと感じています。.
-Valentyna K from Germany
Products Used: Extra Fine Watercolors, Luminescent Watercolors, PrimaTek Watercolors, Watercolor Sticks, Watercolor Pans & Sets, Dot Cards, Watercolor Mediums, Walnut Ink
Customer Since: 2015
My first time was during an event in Italy in 2016, with my husband, we met John and Katherine; I discovered Duochrome Blue Pearl and Duochrome Emerald along with Lunar Black and admired all the Primatek stones on the table. From then to nowadays I fell in love with all the products, being "brave" to explore them in different ways and creating something unique and meaningful. I deeply loved to have been lucky to visit the Seattle factory, witnessing the passion on making artists' materials.
-レティツィア M from Italy
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, Water-soluble Oil Colors
Customer Since: 2016
I still remember when Katherine gave me the Ultimate Mixing Set (15 half pans) back in 2019. It was my first experience with Daniel Smith watercolors, and from the very first brushstroke I could see the difference. The richness of the pigments and the way the colors mixed opened up a whole new range of possibilities in my work. Since then, they’ve become an essential part of my painting process.
-Johnny P from Greece
Products Used: Extra Fine Watercolors, PrimaTek Watercolors, Extra Fine GOUACHE, Watercolor Pans & Sets, Dot Cards
Customer Since: 2019
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

















