Jaren geleden liep ik bij Fabriano door de gang bij de bibliotheek, waar veel internationale leveranciers van kunstbenodigdheden hun stands hadden staan. Terwijl ik voorbijliep en nieuwsgierig was naar de producten, begroette John me plotseling hartelijk: "Hallo, beste vriend", alsof we elkaar al jaren kenden. Hij gaf me een brochure en een tubetje van 5 ml verf.

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.