The textbook consists of four books, which in an interesting and accessible form talk about the basics of artistic representation and provide information about the history of Russian and foreign fine arts from ancient times to the present day. The book “Fundamentals of Painting” is based on the fact that painting is the art of color. It examines the basics of color science, with special attention to issues of color perception. Students are encouraged to conduct experiments, perform exercises and creative tasks using a variety of painting media. At the end of the book there are answers to difficult questions, “secrets and mysteries” of masters of fine art and recommended literature. The textbook contains a special system of visual signs that will help the child better navigate the textbook material, and a large number of illustrations. For students of secondary schools.