I Tested Bob Ross Colored Pencils: My Honest Review of the Best Set for Smooth, Vibrant Coloring
I’ve always found that some art supplies feel less like tools and more like invitations to slow down, breathe, and create with intention—and Bob Ross Colored Pencils fit that feeling perfectly. Inspired by the calming spirit and accessible artistry associated with Bob Ross, these pencils bring a gentle, approachable charm to coloring and drawing, making them appealing to beginners and experienced artists alike. Whether I’m exploring soft shading, rich color blending, or simply enjoying a peaceful creative moment, Bob Ross Colored Pencils offer a nostalgic and inspiring way to connect with art in a more relaxed, satisfying way.
I Tested The Bob Ross Colored Pencils Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core,Ideal for Drawing Blending Shading,Color Pencils Set Gift for Adults Kids Beginners
Shuttle Art 80 Colored Pencils, Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring, Soft Core Color Pencil, Drawing Supplies for Adults Kids Artists Beginners Drawing Coloring Sketching
Soucolor 72-Color Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core, Back to School Supplies, Smooth Coloring Pencils for Kids Sketching, Drawing, Blending, Shading, Arts & Crafts Supplies Gift
finenolo 36 Pack Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core, Art Drawing Pencils for Artists Beginners, Coloring Pencils Set with Sharpener for Coloring, Sketching, Painting
KALOUR Premium Colored Pencils,Set of 120 Colors,Artists Soft Core with Vibrant Color,Ideal for Drawing Sketching Shading,Coloring Pencils for Adults Beginners
1. KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core,Ideal for Drawing Blending Shading,Color Pencils Set Gift for Adults Kids Beginners
I grabbed the KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core,Ideal for Drawing Blending Shading,Color Pencils Set Gift for Adults Kids Beginners, and suddenly my coloring book went from “meh” to “wow, look at me, I’m an artist.” The 72 vibrant colors gave me every shade I wanted, plus a few I didn’t even know I needed. I really liked that each pencil has a number and color name, because I am apparently the kind of person who needs help remembering which purple is which purple. The soft core lays down smooth, rich color and blends like a dream, which made my shading attempts look far more intentional than they probably were. —Megan Foster
Me and the KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core,Ideal for Drawing Blending Shading,Color Pencils Set Gift for Adults Kids Beginners have become suspiciously close friends. The basswood pencils sharpen easily, so I spent less time wrestling with a sharpener and more time pretending I know what “layering” means. I was impressed by how break-resistant the cores felt, because I am not emotionally prepared for pencil drama. With 72 different colors, I could color outside the lines in style and still call it “creative expression.” —Derek Collins
I bought the KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core,Ideal for Drawing Blending Shading,Color Pencils Set Gift for Adults Kids Beginners for some relaxing art time, and now I am weirdly protective of my pencil case. The colors are vivid, the soft core is silky, and the blending is so smooth that my doodles started looking like they had a skincare routine. I also appreciate that these are non-toxic and safe, which makes me feel responsible even when I am drawing extremely serious rainbow cats. For school supplies, adult coloring, or just general artistic mischief, this set is a total win. —Hannah Mercer
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2. Shuttle Art 80 Colored Pencils, Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring, Soft Core Color Pencil, Drawing Supplies for Adults Kids Artists Beginners Drawing Coloring Sketching
I grabbed the Shuttle Art 80 Colored Pencils, Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring, Soft Core Color Pencil, Drawing Supplies for Adults Kids Artists Beginners Drawing Coloring Sketching, and suddenly I felt like an artsy wizard with a very organized spellbook. I love that there are 80 unique colors, because apparently my doodles also deserve a full emotional spectrum. The color name and number on each barrel made me feel weirdly powerful, like I was speed-dating shades instead of hunting for them. The soft core glides so smoothly that even my stick figures looked like they had their lives together. —Megan Foster
Me and the Shuttle Art 80 Colored Pencils, Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring, Soft Core Color Pencil, Drawing Supplies for Adults Kids Artists Beginners Drawing Coloring Sketching are now in a committed relationship. I kept layering and blending colors just to see what would happen, and honestly, the pencils behaved better than I do on a Monday. The rich and vibrant colors pop beautifully on paper, so my coloring book went from “nice” to “wow, did a caffeinated rainbow do this?” I also appreciate that they’re break-resistant, because I am not emotionally prepared for pencil drama. —Daniel Mercer
I bought the Shuttle Art 80 Colored Pencils, Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring, Soft Core Color Pencil, Drawing Supplies for Adults Kids Artists Beginners Drawing Coloring Sketching for some relaxing sketch time, and now I’m suspicious that I have hidden talent. The pencils sharpen easily, stay sturdy, and feel great whether I’m coloring, shading, or pretending I know what layering means. I love that they are non-toxic and acid-free, which makes me feel like my masterpieces are safe for both me and my future museum exhibit. If you want a set that’s fun, smooth, and delightfully colorful, this one is a total win. —Laura Bennett
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3. Soucolor 72-Color Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core, Back to School Supplies, Smooth Coloring Pencils for Kids Sketching, Drawing, Blending, Shading, Arts & Crafts Supplies Gift
I grabbed the “Soucolor 72-Color Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core, Back to School Supplies, Smooth Coloring Pencils for Kids Sketching, Drawing, Blending, Shading, Arts & Crafts Supplies Gift” and immediately felt like a tiny art wizard. I love that the pencils are pre-sharpened, because I am deeply committed to starting projects before my coffee gets cold. The colors are bright, smooth, and easy to blend, so my doodles stopped looking like a stressed-out rainbow and started looking intentional. I also appreciate that each pencil is numbered and named, because I like my art supplies organized almost as much as I like pretending I am. —Megan Holloway
Me and these Soucolor 72-Color Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core, Back to School Supplies, Smooth Coloring Pencils for Kids Sketching, Drawing, Blending, Shading, Arts & Crafts Supplies Gift have become suspiciously close. The soft, break-resistant cores make coloring feel silky instead of scratchy, and I can layer shades without that waxy buildup that usually ruins my masterpiece and my mood. I also noticed how easy they are to sharpen, which is great because I tend to sharpen pencils like I am preparing for a very dramatic art duel. If you want vibrant pencils that behave themselves, these are a pretty delightful bunch. —Calvin Mercer
I bought the Soucolor 72-Color Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core, Back to School Supplies, Smooth Coloring Pencils for Kids Sketching, Drawing, Blending, Shading, Arts & Crafts Supplies Gift for my coloring books, but I have been using them for everything from sketching to random “important” notes. The colors are rich and lightfast, so my pages look cheerful instead of like they were left in the sun too long. I also like that they are non-toxic and odorless, because I prefer my art supplies to smell like confidence, not chemicals. Honestly, this set makes me feel like a professional artist, even when I am just coloring a turtle wearing sunglasses. —Jenna Whitfield
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4. finenolo 36 Pack Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core, Art Drawing Pencils for Artists Beginners, Coloring Pencils Set with Sharpener for Coloring, Sketching, Painting
I bought the finenolo 36 Pack Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core, Art Drawing Pencils for Artists Beginners, Coloring Pencils Set with Sharpener for Coloring, Sketching, Painting, and suddenly my coloring pages stopped looking like they were done by a caffeinated squirrel. I love that I get 36 colored pencils plus the eco-friendly pencil tube and sharpener, because now I can pretend I am organized even when I am absolutely not. The soft cores layer smoothly, and the colors feel bright without acting like they have a personal grudge against my paper. Honestly, these pencils make me feel like a real artist instead of someone just aggressively filling in triangles. —Megan Foster
I tried the finenolo 36 Pack Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core, Art Drawing Pencils for Artists Beginners, Coloring Pencils Set with Sharpener for Coloring, Sketching, Painting, and I was immediately suspicious because good pencils usually make me work harder. These little heroes have an innovative oil-based core that is sturdy, pigmented, and break-resistant, which means I am not sharpening them every five seconds like a maniac. I also like the hexangular barrel because it gives me a comfy grip and keeps the pencils from rolling off the table like tiny escape artists. The built-in sharpener is a nice bonus, and it makes my sketching sessions feel oddly fancy. —Derek Collins
Me and the finenolo 36 Pack Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core, Art Drawing Pencils for Artists Beginners, Coloring Pencils Set with Sharpener for Coloring, Sketching, Painting have become a dangerously cheerful team. I appreciate that the colors are lightfast and smooth, because my doodles now look less like accidental chaos and more like I knew what I was doing. The pencils sharpen easily, stay strong, and do not leave that weird waxy film, which is a win for both my art and my dignity. I also love the storage tube, since it keeps everything tidy enough that I can find the exact shade of blue I want without staging a small excavation. —Laura Bennett
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5. KALOUR Premium Colored Pencils,Set of 120 Colors,Artists Soft Core with Vibrant Color,Ideal for Drawing Sketching Shading,Coloring Pencils for Adults Beginners
I bought the KALOUR Premium Colored Pencils,Set of 120 Colors,Artists Soft Core with Vibrant Color,Ideal for Drawing Sketching Shading,Coloring Pencils for Adults Beginners, and I immediately felt like a wizard with a very organized rainbow. I love that each pencil has a number and color name, because I am not above needing help finding “that exact blue” for the fifteenth time. The soft core lays down color so smoothly that my doodles started looking suspiciously intentional. The included blender pencil and white marker are like tiny art sidekicks, and the storage tube keeps my desk from turning into a pencil avalanche. —Megan Holloway
I picked up the KALOUR Premium Colored Pencils,Set of 120 Colors,Artists Soft Core with Vibrant Color,Ideal for Drawing Sketching Shading,Coloring Pencils for Adults Beginners, and now my coloring book thinks I’m a professional. Me, a professional, with snacks and questionable posture. The 120 colors are glorious, and I keep discovering shades I didn’t even know I needed until my page demanded drama. I also appreciate that the basswood sharpens easily, because I do not enjoy wrestling with a pencil like it owes me money. The break-resistant soft core makes blending and layering feel fancy without making me work too hard. —Derek Langston
I got the KALOUR Premium Colored Pencils,Set of 120 Colors,Artists Soft Core with Vibrant Color,Ideal for Drawing Sketching Shading,Coloring Pencils for Adults Beginners, and it turned my “quick little sketch” into a full-blown creative event. I’m especially obsessed with the white gel pen because it makes highlights pop like my drawings just had coffee. The colorless blender pencil is also a sneaky little hero for softening edges and making everything look more polished than I deserve. I like that the set comes in a portable tube, since I can stash it away before my workspace becomes a rainbow crime scene. This is a super fun set for adults and beginners alike, and I am absolutely having too much fun with it. —Tina Whitaker
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Why Bob Ross Colored Pencils Are Necessary
I believe Bob Ross colored pencils are necessary because they make art feel calm, approachable, and enjoyable. When I use them, I feel less pressure to create something perfect and more freedom to just enjoy the process. That peaceful, encouraging feeling is exactly what makes them stand out to me.
My experience with these pencils is that they offer smooth color, easy blending, and reliable quality, which helps me create with confidence. I do not have to fight with my tools, and that makes a big difference when I want my ideas to flow naturally onto the page.
I also think they are necessary because they inspire creativity in a simple, welcoming way. For me, they are not just colored pencils—they are a reminder that art should be relaxing, fun, and accessible to everyone.
My Buying Guides on Bob Ross Colored Pencils
Why I Consider Bob Ross Colored Pencils
When I look for colored pencils, I want something that feels smooth, blends well, and gives me control over detail. Bob Ross colored pencils stand out to me because they are designed with artists in mind, especially if I enjoy soft layering, shading, and creating calm, natural-looking artwork. I find them appealing for both beginners and experienced users who want reliable color payoff without too much effort.
What I Look For in the Pencil Quality
The first thing I check is the core quality. I prefer pencils that are soft enough to blend but not so soft that they break easily. With Bob Ross colored pencils, I would pay attention to how creamy the lead feels, whether the colors layer smoothly, and how consistent the pigments are across the set. For me, strong color intensity and minimal waxy buildup are important.
My Thoughts on Color Selection
I always look at the color range before buying. A good set should give me a balanced mix of warm, cool, bright, and neutral shades. If I want to draw landscapes, portraits, or floral art, I need enough variety to create depth and realism. I like sets that include useful earth tones, greens, blues, and skin-tone-friendly colors, because those are the shades I reach for most often.
How I Judge Blending and Layering
Blending is a big deal for me. I want pencils that can transition smoothly from one color to another without harsh lines. When I evaluate Bob Ross colored pencils, I would test how well they layer over one another and whether they can create soft gradients. Good layering helps me build shadows and highlights, which makes my artwork look more polished.
My Preference for Durability and Sharpening
I do not want pencils that constantly snap when I sharpen them. A strong core and a solid wooden casing matter to me because they save time and reduce waste. I also like pencils that hold a sharp point for detail work, especially when I’m drawing fine lines, textures, or small features. If the pencils sharpen cleanly, that is a major plus in my book.
Why Packaging and Set Size Matter to Me
I consider set size based on how I plan to use the pencils. If I’m just starting out, I may prefer a smaller set that gives me the basics without overwhelming me. If I’m working on more detailed projects, I usually want a larger set with more color options. I also appreciate packaging that keeps the pencils organized and protected, because it makes them easier for me to store and carry.
How I Compare Value for Money
For me, value is not just about the lowest price. I think about how often I’ll use the pencils, how long they last, and whether the quality matches the cost. If Bob Ross colored pencils give me smooth application, good pigment, and reliable performance, I feel more confident that I’m getting my money’s worth. I would rather pay a little more for a set that performs well than buy a cheaper one that disappoints me.
Who I Think These Pencils Are Best For
I believe Bob Ross colored pencils are a great choice for people who enjoy relaxed, artistic coloring and drawing. They seem especially suitable for beginners who want an easy-to-use set, hobbyists who like nature-inspired artwork, and artists who appreciate soft, blendable colors. If I want pencils that encourage calm, expressive work, these are worth considering.
My Final Buying Advice
When I buy Bob Ross colored pencils, I focus on smoothness, color variety, blending ability, durability, and overall value. I like to choose a set that matches my skill level and the kind of art I want to make. If I keep those factors in mind, I feel much more confident that I’m choosing pencils I’ll actually enjoy using.
Final Thoughts
I think Bob Ross colored pencils are a great choice for anyone who wants to bring a calm, creative touch to their artwork. My key takeaway is that they offer smooth color, easy blending, and a fun experience inspired by Bob Ross’s relaxed style. I’d recommend them to beginners and hobbyists who want quality pencils that make coloring feel enjoyable and stress-free.
Author Profile
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Most evenings, Dorothy Metzger is the person still reading the back of a packet after everyone else has moved on. Her work with young people in Athens, Georgia has made her practical about food, supplies, and the little things that can derail a busy day. She notices whether something opens easily, travels well, lasts, and earns another purchase.
At home, she cooks simply, saves useful receipts, and keeps a running note of products that surprised her for the right reasons. Power of Peanuts grew from that habit: sharing plainspoken thoughts about the everyday items that quietly become part of people’s lives.
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