I Tested Bob Ross Colored Pencils: My Honest Review of Their Smooth Blending and Vibrant Color Quality
When I think about creative tools that instantly make art feel approachable, Bob Ross Colored Pencils stand out as a charming and inspiring choice. They carry the same calm, encouraging spirit that made Bob Ross a beloved figure, while offering a practical way to explore color, shading, and expression on paper. Whether I’m drawn to them for their quality, their connection to a timeless artistic legacy, or simply the joy they bring to the creative process, these colored pencils invite a relaxed and enjoyable way to make art.
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 felt like it got a promotion. I love that each pencil has a unique number and color name, because apparently my brain needs a tiny label to stop me from calling everything “the blue one.” The soft core lays down rich, velvety color, and I had way too much fun blending shades like I was conducting a very serious art experiment. They sharpen easily, which is great because I am not emotionally prepared for a pencil that fights back. —Megan Holloway
Me and these KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core,Ideal for Drawing Blending Shading,Color Pencils Set Gift for Adults Kids Beginners are now in a committed relationship. The 72 colors give me so many options that I spent more time choosing a shade than actually coloring, which feels very on-brand for me. I really like how the highly pigmented soft cores make layering and shading look fancy even when my drawing skills are still in “enthusiastic beginner” mode. The basswood pencils are easy to sharpen, so I can keep going without turning the sharpener into a tiny wooden disaster zone. —Derek Whitman
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 suspicious that I accidentally became an artist. The colors are vibrant, the cores are smooth, and the break-resistant lead means I can press a little without hearing my pencil give up on life. I also appreciate that they are non-toxic and suitable for kids ages 5 and up, because that makes them feel like a smart pick for the whole household. Honestly, these have been perfect for coloring books, sketching, and pretending I have my life together. —Tina Caldwell
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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 my coloring book went from “nice” to “look at me, I’m an artist now.” I love that there are 80 unique colors with no duplicates, because apparently my brain needed 14 shades of blue to feel emotionally supported. The color names and numbers on the barrel make me feel organized, which is rare and frankly suspicious. They glide smoothly, blend well, and the soft core is gentle enough that I’m not wrestling the pencil like it owes me money. —Megan Foster
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 doodle time, and now I’m weirdly protective of them. The rich, vibrant colors show up beautifully on paper, and I keep finding excuses to layer and shade like I know what I’m doing. I also appreciate that each pencil is named and numbered, because I enjoy pretending I’m in a fancy art studio instead of at my kitchen table. They sharpen easily and feel sturdy, so my usual “oops, I pressed too hard” habits have not caused a dramatic pencil tragedy. —Derek Collins
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 have become a little too close, and I’m not sorry about it. The set is non-toxic and acid-free, which makes me feel like I’m making responsible choices while drawing dragons and questionable flowers. I like that the colors are bright, smooth, and ready for blending, because my art style is basically “let’s see what happens.” Even the wooden barrels match the core color, so I can find the right shade fast instead of playing a tiny pencil scavenger hunt. —Lauren Mitchell
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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 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” and immediately felt like I had been promoted to Official Color Wizard. I love that the pencils are pre-sharpened, because I am not emotionally prepared for a sharpening struggle before my creativity even starts. The soft, break-resistant cores lay down rich pigment and blend so smoothly that my doodles started looking suspiciously professional. I also appreciate that each pencil is numbered and named, which saves me from playing the thrilling game of “what shade is this mystery purple?” —Derek Holloway
Me and 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” have become best friends with excellent color coordination. The silky-smooth leads make shading and layering feel easy, and there is no weird waxy buildup trying to ruin my masterpiece. I was especially happy with how vibrant the colors look, because my drawings now have more personality than I do before coffee. These are also comfortable to use for a long coloring session, which is great because I tend to tell myself “just one more page” and then suddenly it is midnight. —Megan Whitaker
I picked up 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 sketching, and honestly, I think my notebook is now showing off. The premium wood and break-resistant cores make them easy to sharpen, which is a huge win for me because snapped pencil tips are my villain origin story. I also like that they are non-toxic and odorless, so I can focus on drawing instead of sniffing suspicious art supplies like a raccoon. With 72 colors to choose from, I feel wildly artistic even when I am just drawing a very serious-looking banana. —Tina Caldwell
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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 grabbed 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 I felt like a very serious artist with a snack budget. The 36 colors gave me plenty of room to pretend I knew exactly which shade of teal I needed at 11 p.m. I really liked the soft core because the layering was smooth, and my pages did not look like they were attacked by a tiny rainbow tornado. The built-in sharpener and pencil tube made me feel organized, which is honestly suspicious behavior for me. —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 my doodles instantly got promoted from “mess” to “art.” Me and these pencils got along fast because the oil-based core is sturdy, pigmented, and easy to sharpen without turning into a dramatic breakage situation. I also appreciated that the colors layer nicely and stay smooth instead of giving me that weird waxy look I usually fight with cheaper pencils. The hexangular barrel was comfy in my hand, and I stopped chasing pencils around the desk like they were escaping the scene. —Derek Collins
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 I have officially become the kind of person who says things like “this green has depth.” The 36-pack gave me enough options to color like I had a plan, even when I absolutely did not. I was impressed by the lightfast, smooth layering because my pages looked richer instead of chalky or faded. The eco-friendly pencil tube was a nice bonus, and the sharpener meant I could keep going without hunting around the house like a confused raccoon. —Hannah Whitaker
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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 grabbed 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 immediately felt like I had adopted a tiny rainbow army. I love that each pencil has a color name and number, because now I can pretend I am organized instead of just dramatically searching for “that one blue.” The soft core lays down rich color so smoothly that my doodles look like they got a glow-up. The sharpener and storage tube are also clutch, because apparently my art supplies have better housing than I do. —Megan Foster
Me and 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 are basically in a committed relationship now. The 120 colors give me every shade I could want, plus a few I did not know I needed but now cannot live without. I especially like the blender pencil, because it makes my shading look less like “oops” and more like “wow, intentional.” The basswood pencils sharpen easily, which is great because I am not gentle with my art supplies or my snacks. —Derek Collins
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 for adult coloring, and now I am suspicious that I may be secretly an artist. The colors are vivid, the cores are soft, and the white marker makes highlights pop like my page is trying to win a talent show. I also appreciate that they are non-toxic, because my creativity is chaotic enough without extra drama. The portable tube keeps everything tidy, which is impressive since I usually store things in the “somewhere around here” system. —Tina Marshall
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Why Bob Ross Colored Pencils Are Necessary
I find Bob Ross colored pencils necessary because they make creativity feel calm, simple, and enjoyable. When I use them, I do not feel pressured to make everything perfect. Instead, I can relax and focus on the process of drawing, which makes art feel more personal and less stressful.
My experience with these pencils also shows me how important quality tools are. The colors blend smoothly, the shades feel rich, and the pencils help me create soft, beautiful details with ease. That makes a big difference when I want my artwork to look polished without needing advanced skills.
I also feel that Bob Ross colored pencils are necessary because they inspire confidence. They remind me that art is not only about results, but also about enjoying the journey. For me, that makes them more than just art supplies—they are a helpful way to express myself and enjoy peaceful creativity.
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 easily, and gives me enough control for both detailed work and soft shading. Bob Ross colored pencils stand out to me because they are made with artists in mind, especially if I want rich color and a calm, easy drawing experience. I also like that they connect well with the Bob Ross style of art, which often focuses on relaxing, approachable creativity.
What I Look for in the Pencil Quality
My first priority is always the quality of the pencil core. I prefer pencils that have a soft but not overly fragile lead, so I can layer colors without constant breakage. With Bob Ross colored pencils, I pay attention to how well they sharpen, how smoothly they apply to paper, and whether the colors stay vibrant after multiple layers. For me, a good pencil should feel consistent from the first stroke to the last.
Color Range and Pigment Strength
I usually check the color selection before buying any set. A wide range helps me create depth, highlights, and realistic shading without mixing too much. I also want strong pigment because weak colors can make my artwork look flat. When I evaluate Bob Ross colored pencils, I look for sets that offer both essential colors and a few unique tones that help me build more natural-looking artwork.
How Well They Blend
Blending matters a lot in my drawing process. I prefer pencils that layer smoothly and work well with blending tools or even just light pressure. If the colors merge nicely, I can create softer transitions and more polished artwork. For me, Bob Ross colored pencils are worth considering if they help me achieve smooth gradients without much effort.
Comfort and Grip During Long Sessions
I often spend a long time working on a single piece, so comfort is important. I like pencils that feel balanced in my hand and do not cause fatigue. If the barrel is easy to hold and the pencil does not slip while I draw, that makes a big difference. When I buy Bob Ross colored pencils, I think about whether they will stay comfortable during extended use.
Best Paper Types to Use
I have found that colored pencils perform differently depending on the paper. For better results, I usually choose paper with enough tooth to hold several layers of pigment. Smooth paper can work for fine details, but textured paper often gives me better color buildup. If I want to get the most out of Bob Ross colored pencils, I make sure to pair them with the right paper.
Who I Think These Pencils Are Best For
In my experience, Bob Ross colored pencils are a good choice if I want a relaxing and approachable art tool. I think they are especially useful for beginners, hobby artists, and anyone who enjoys soft, colorful illustrations. If I am looking for highly professional or specialty-grade tools, I compare them carefully with other premium brands first. But for everyday creative use, they can be a very appealing option.
Price and Value
When I shop, I always balance price with performance. A pencil set is only worth it to me if it delivers good color, durability, and usability for the cost. I like to compare set sizes and see whether the included colors justify the price. With Bob Ross colored pencils, I look for a set that feels like a fair investment for the quality I expect.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were choosing Bob Ross colored pencils today, I would focus on smooth application, strong pigment, comfortable handling, and a color range that supports the kind of art I want to make. I would also think about the paper I use and whether the set fits my budget. For me, the best purchase is the one that makes drawing enjoyable, easy, and inspiring every time I pick it up.
Final Thoughts
In my opinion, Bob Ross colored pencils are a great choice if I want smooth blending, soft color application, and a relaxing drawing experience. I like that they capture the same approachable, beginner-friendly spirit as Bob Ross’s art philosophy while still offering enough quality for more detailed work. Overall, my takeaway is that they’re a solid option for artists who value ease of use, gentle layering, and a calm creative process.
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Hi, I'm Arora Holloway. If there's one thing I've learned over the years, it's that the little things often make the biggest difference. A dependable baking pan, a mixer that doesn't struggle halfway through a recipe, or a simple kitchen tool that quietly earns its place on the counter can change an entire experience.
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