The proposed book examines theoretical and methodological issues of visual literacy. The book contains the full volume of basic educational drawing tasks, arranged in a strict sequence of increasing complexity of tasks; examines the basics of composition, perspective, proportions, the laws of light and shade and plastic anatomy, gives an idea of shape, volume and design. The author pays special attention to the methodology of constructive-structural representation of objects, as well as constructive-anatomical analysis of complex living forms, based on the laws of their structure. The basic principles of educational drawing from life, given in the book, contribute to the formation and development of volumetric-spatial concepts and the improvement of graphic skills among interested readers. The textbook is intended for students of art and architectural universities and faculties, as well as for students of professional artistic educational institutions and is recommended in as a theoretical, methodological and practical guide for teachers and teachers of art schools and colleges.