Cover of 50 Secrets of Magic Craftsmanship

50 Secrets of Magic Craftsmanship

For many, Salvador Dali (1904-1989) represents the Surrealist painter par excellence, one whose work explored his own dream life, hallucinations, and fetishes in the process of objectifying the irrational elements of the unconscious. In this rare and important volume, the painter expresses (in his inimitably eccentric fashion) his ideas of what painting should be, expounds on what is good and bad painting, offers opinions on the merits of Vermeer, Picasso, Cezanne, and other artists, and expresses his thoughts on the history of painting.

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In a blend of outrageous egotism and unconventional humor, Dali presents 50 "secrets" for mastering the art of painting: "the secret of sleeping while awake," "the secret of the periods of carnal abstinence and indulgence to be observed by the painter," "the secret of the painter's pointed mustaches," "the secret of learning to paint before knowing how to draw," "the secret of the painter's marriage," "the secret of the reason why a great draughtsman should draw while completely naked," and many other Daliesque prescriptions for artistic success.

Illustrated with the artist's own drawings, this volume is a fascinating mixture of serious artistic advice, lively personal anecdotes, and academic craftsmanship. It is, according to the San Francisco Chronicle,"in lay-out and clarity of design . . . a remarkable work of art in itself." Especially esteemed for its insights into modern art, 50 Secrets of Magic Craftsmanshipis indispensable reading for any student of Surrealism or 20th century painting.

Audience
adult
Length
short · 192 pages

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Liked 50 Secrets of Magic Craftsmanship? Here’s where I’d start.

These suit anyone who liked 50 Secrets of Magic Craftsmanship. Sign in and mark a few books for picks shaped around your own taste.

  1. Letters to a Young Artist Shares art, art history, nonfiction
  2. Surrealism and Painting Shares art, surrealism, art history
  3. The Shameful Life of Salvador Dalí Shares art, nonfiction, dali
  4. 500 Self-Portraits Shares art, art history, nonfiction

“People who read 50 Secrets of Magic Craftsmanship tend to reach for these next.”

  1. Salvador Dali
  2. The Hundred Headless Woman
  3. The History of Surrealism
  4. The Killing Art

“If you want more of the same, start with these.”

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  2. How Designers Think: The Design Process Demystified
  3. Photo Op: 52 Weekly Ideas for Creative Image-Making
  4. An Illustrated Life: Drawing Inspiration From The Private Sketchbooks Of Artists, Illustrators And Designers

“If it was the art that hooked you, try one of these.”

  1. Let's See: Writings on Art from The New Yorker: Writings on Art from <em>The New Yorker</em>
  2. Abstract Expressionism
  3. Hieronymus Bosch: Garden of Earthly Delights
  4. Art Incorporated: The Story of Contemporary Art

“These start from a similar idea, even if they go somewhere else with it.”

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