In the mid-seventies, I began my work as a pastor in the Dutch region of Twente. A few years later, I moved to the densely populated western part of the Netherlands. I had no idea that Ootmarsum would develop into an artist town known even in Germany in the coming years. The initiative for this came from Ton Schulten and his wife Ank. Both were born and raised in Ootmarsum. Ton studied graphic design at the art academy in Enschede and then established his own advertising agency starting in 1976. Although it was a very successful business, he always remained an artist at heart. His decision in 1989, made together with his wife Ank, to focus solely on painting led them down uncertain paths. Step by step, he then discovered his inspiration in landscape and color.