50 Secrets of Magic Craftsmanship

This is an incredible, weird book that every artist should read! Dali has a beautiful, lyrical writings style that's filled with humor. He teaches you all kinds of strange things to do to improve your painting technique, from what kind of pets to keep in your studio (spiders) to how deal with not having the crutch of a grid system when drawing from the model (use actual crutches). I'm not sure whether he's totally serious about all of this or if his tongue is in cheek, but all of it is highly entertaining. Many of the colors and materials that he writes about are no longer made or difficult to find, but it's still worth reading just for entertainment purposes. His drawing and much of the painting advice is solid, and there is truth in all 50 of his secrets, no matter how outlandish they may seem. His drawing and much of the painting advice is solid. A true love of life, beauty and art shines through on every single page, a joy to read.

This is one of the books every painter should have! He explains a lot of interesting things about his technique, materials that should be used and that should not, brushes, paints, oils, mediums, siccatives, etc., etc. rules that should be observed and so on ... Besides, enjoy his mind, is a Crazy Horse! Besides, the book is very cheap! (there are a lot of expensive books that mean nothing) If you are a painter, repeat after me : I will have it!

This book is a must for Dali fans who also have an interest in creating artworks themselves. A good sense of humour is required as much of the writing cannot be taken seriously. Some caution is required when choosing which "practical" suggestions are to be carried out or lessons to be taken literally. Overall a fine light read.

Outstanding! A book to be embraced by one who carries a surrealistic mind. These 'secrets' will continuously be misunderstood by those who 'think' they know what painting is. This is most definately the true artists bible.

This is a book on oil painting which is peppered with Dalinian absurdities and illustrations.I like Dali's writing personality. But if you don't find humor in it, then just skip to the useful parts such as underpainting. I started using his advice for under and over painting colors ('glazes') and the results are wonderful. (soon to be posted on my website) He spells out very clearly how to do this. This is information that is not really spelled out in other books. Check out the oil painting - "Galarina" - of his wife which is reproduced in the book. Hundreds of hours of work.Amongst some humorous and impractical "secrets" - making medium out of wasps, et al - there is some really sound advice directly from a master. How much would you pay to get two or three private lessons from him?Humor, unique illustrations, great advice: I think Dali's book is a great bargain. I almost didn't write this review so that I could keep it more to myself!