Is Mechanics of Drawing: All-In-One Portrait Drawing Course worth it if you’re shopping in Drawing & Painting?
You’ve probably been stuck on the same wall for a while. You grab a reference photo, stare at it, and try to draw the face, but the proportions look “off” or the shading feels flat and muddy. It’s frustrating because you know you’re capable of better; you just lack the mechanical system to translate a 3D head into a convincing 2D image. Most free tutorials give you random tips, but they rarely build a cohesive framework for measuring and shading. (Mechanics of Drawing: All-In-One)
Mechanics of Drawing: All-In-One Portrait Drawing Course by Bradwynn Jones is a $19.99 structured video library designed to fix exactly that. It breaks down the “how” of portraiture into measurable steps—triangles, rhythms, and value scales—so you can stop guessing and start constructing. If you’re ready to move from “drawing what I see” to “drawing what I understand,” this is a sharp, affordable entry point.
Quick answer
| Best for | Artists who want a structured, measurement-based approach to portrait fundamentals and value control. |
| Skip if | You are looking for advanced oil painting techniques, digital-only workflows, or a course focused on figure drawing rather than heads. |
| Price | $19.99 |
| Format | 12 instructional videos (7 technique + 5 demo), high-res reference photo, and shading diagrams. |
| One-line take | A complete, low-cost system for learning the mechanics of likeness and shading without the guesswork. |
What you’re actually buying
At $19.99, you aren’t just buying a few random tips; you are getting a full pedagogical stack that moves from theory to practice. The course is split into two distinct but connected layers: the foundational technique videos and the extended portrait demonstration. This structure matters because it lets you learn the rules first, then watch them applied in real-time on a complex subject. (Mechanics of Drawing: All-In-One)
The first layer covers the non-negotiables of head construction. You get deep dives into the Thirds of the Face, the Rhythms of the Head, and how to use Measuring by Comparison to lock in proportions. These aren’t just abstract concepts; they are practical tools for placing features accurately. You also get specific modules on Angles-Verticals-Horizontals and the Facial Triangle, which are critical for capturing likeness. If you’ve ever struggled with a face looking “wrong” even when the features are correct, these sections address the underlying geometry. (Mechanics of Drawing: All-In-One)
The second layer is where the course really shines: the five-part Portrait Demo. This isn’t a quick sketch; it’s a full breakdown of a complex portrait, moving from Head Construction to Shadow Mapping, Shading & Layering, and finally Full Value Scale and Edges & Transitions. This is the part that teaches you how to organize your values so your drawing has depth and form. You also get a high-resolution photo reference and a shading terms diagram, which means you can pause the video, open your own reference, and practice alongside the instructor. It’s a rare value for the price to get both the “why” and the “how” in one package. (Mechanics of Drawing: All-In-One)
Why it’s on our radar
This course stands out because it treats drawing as a mechanical problem to be solved, rather than just a creative act to be inspired. Many online resources focus on style or artistic flair, but Bradwynn Jones focuses on the measurable: triangles, angles, and value relationships. This makes it highly effective for self-learners who feel stuck because they can’t articulate why their drawings aren’t working. (Mechanics of Drawing: All-In-One)
The inclusion of both standalone technique lessons and a multi-part demo is a smart format. You can watch the technique videos to understand the concept, then jump to the demo to see it applied. This “learn then watch” loop is far more effective than a single long video where you’re trying to absorb new concepts while watching a complex execution. For under $20, it’s one of the most comprehensive introductory packages for portrait mechanics available. (Mechanics of Drawing: All-In-One)
What actually matters
Before you buy, consider your current pain points. If your main struggle is proportions (eyes too high, nose too small), the Measuring by Comparison and Facial Triangle videos are your immediate fix. If your main struggle is shading (flat drawings, muddy values), the Shading Terms and Value of Squinting modules, combined with the Shadow Mapping demo, are what you need. (Mechanics of Drawing: All-In-One)
Check if you prefer traditional media. The course is medium-agnostic in its principles, but the demos are likely traditional (pencil/charcoal). If you are exclusively a digital artist, the principles still apply, but you won’t get specific software tutorials. Also, verify that you have the time to engage with the material. This is a course, not a quick hack. You’ll get the most out of it if you pause, practice, and apply the Rhythms of the Head concepts to your own work. (Mechanics of Drawing: All-In-One)
Mid-check
If you’re ready to stop guessing and start measuring, this is a low-risk way to build your fundamentals. (Mechanics of Drawing: All-In-One)
FAQ
Is this course suitable for complete beginners? Yes, it’s ideal for beginners who want to understand the mechanics of drawing. It starts with fundamentals like Thirds of the Face and Angles, so you don’t need prior formal training. However, if you have zero experience holding a pencil, you might want to pair this with basic line control exercises. (Mechanics of Drawing: All-In-One)
Do I need any specific materials to follow along? The course focuses on technique and theory, so you can follow along with any drawing medium. However, to get the most out of the Shading & Layering and Full Value Scale demos, you’ll want a medium that allows for blending and value range, like graphite pencils, charcoal, or colored pencils. The included high-resolution photo reference is a digital file you can open on any device. (Mechanics of Drawing: All-In-One)
How long are the videos? The course includes 12 videos in total: 7 technique videos and 5 demo videos. While exact lengths aren’t specified, the demo series is broken into five parts (Construction, Shadow Mapping, Shading, Value Scale, Edges), suggesting a thorough, step-by-step walkthrough rather than a rushed overview. This allows you to focus on one aspect of the portrait at a time. (Mechanics of Drawing: All-In-One)
Bottom line
Mechanics of Drawing: All-In-One Portrait Drawing Course is a no-nonsense, high-value resource for anyone tired of their portraits looking “off.” For $19.99, you get a complete system for measuring, constructing, and shading a head, backed by a full demo that shows you exactly how to apply those mechanics. If you’re ready to build a solid foundation for your portraiture, this is a smart investment.