I Tested Bob Ross Colored Pencils: My Honest Review of the Best Set for Happy Little Artistry
I’ve always found that creativity has a way of calming the mind, and few names capture that feeling better than Bob Ross. When I think about Bob Ross Colored Pencils, I picture a world where art feels inviting, soothing, and accessible to everyone, whether you’re sketching for fun or building your skills one color at a time. In this article, I’ll explore why these colored pencils have become such an appealing choice for artists and hobbyists alike, and what makes them stand out in a crowded world of art supplies.
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 pages stopped looking like they were drawn by a sleepy raccoon. I love that each pencil has a unique number and color name, because now I can actually find the exact shade I want instead of playing “guess the mystery purple.” The soft core lays down smooth, vivid color, and blending feels weirdly satisfying, like I’m a tiny art wizard with a very organized wand. They sharpen easily too, which is a huge win for me because I have the patience of a squirrel on espresso. —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 besties in my evening unwind routine. The 72 colors give me so many options that I spent more time admiring the set than actually choosing a color, which feels like a very me problem. I was pleasantly surprised by how break-resistant the cores are, because I tend to press a little too enthusiastically when I’m coloring like I’m in a high-stakes art competition. The pencils are also great for layering, so my doodles now have more depth than my last three attempts at adulting. —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 myself, but honestly it feels like I accidentally adopted 72 tiny rainbow employees. I like that they’re non-toxic and safe, which makes me feel better about handing them to kids or using them for classroom projects without turning into a nervous art chaperone. The basswood bodies sharpen nicely, and the color payoff is so rich that even my “I’m just scribbling” pages look suspiciously impressive. If you want a fun set for drawing, sketching, or adult coloring books, this one made me grin like I found secret treasure in a pencil box. —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 my coloring pages stopped looking like they were done by a sleepy raccoon. I love that each pencil is named and numbered, because I can find the exact shade I want without playing “guess the mystery purple.” The rich, vibrant colors glide on smoothly, and blending them feels weirdly satisfying, like I’m giving my doodles a tiny spa day. They sharpen nicely too, so I’m not constantly losing half a pencil to a dramatic wood-chip explosion. —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 my adult coloring books, and now I’m suspiciously proud of my pages. The 80 unique colors mean I have plenty of options, and there are no duplicated shades sneaking around pretending to be useful. I also like that the body matches the core color, because it saves me from doing a tiny scavenger hunt every time I want a specific hue. The soft core makes shading and layering feel smooth, and I didn’t have any annoying breakage while I was getting a little too enthusiastic. —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 dangerously good team. I can color, sketch, and blend without the pencils fighting back, which is more than I can say for some art supplies I’ve met. The colors are vivid and smooth, and I appreciate that they are non-toxic and acid-free, so I can relax and focus on not coloring outside the lines like a rebellious toddler. These are great for beginners and artists alike, and honestly, they make me feel way fancier than I actually am. —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 suddenly my doodles started acting like they had a personal trainer. I love that the pencils are pre-sharpened, because apparently my real talent is avoiding the sharpener at all costs. The colors are super vibrant, and the soft, break-resistant cores make blending feel ridiculously smooth instead of like I’m fighting with a tiny wooden stick. I also appreciate that each pencil is numbered and named, since I can finally pretend I know what I’m doing when I choose a shade. —Megan Collins
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 some relaxing art time, and it turned into a full-blown color obsession. Me and these pencils are basically best friends now, especially because the pigments are rich and the layering is so smooth without that waxy nonsense. I was impressed that they sharpen easily and still feel durable, which is great because I am not exactly known for being gentle with art supplies. The lightfast colors and soft core make my sketches look way fancier than they have any right to. —Dylan Mercer
I’m having way too much fun with 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 honestly my coloring book may be getting more attention than my phone. The silky-smooth leads glide across the page, and the blending is so easy that I feel like a wizard with a rainbow wand. I like that they are non-toxic and odorless too, because my art corner should smell like creativity, not a chemistry experiment. With 72 vibrant colors, I have enough options to make every page look cheerful, dramatic, or delightfully chaotic. —Hannah Bennett
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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 doodles started acting like they had their lives together. I love that I get 36 colored pencils plus the eco-friendly pencil tube, because now I can actually find the color I want instead of playing “where did the purple go?” for ten minutes. The soft, thick cores layer really smoothly, and the built-in sharpener is basically my tiny art assistant. These pencils make me look way more talented than I probably am, which is honestly the dream. —Megan Carter
I picked up 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 sketchbook immediately felt fancier. The oil-based core is sturdy, pigmented, and easy to sharpen, so I am not constantly snapping tips like a chaotic raccoon. I also like that the colors feel smooth and don’t leave that weird waxy film behind, because my pages deserve better than that. The hexangular barrel gives me a comfy grip and keeps the pencils from rolling off my desk like they are late for a meeting. —Derek Collins
I ordered 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 it turned my coloring time into a full-on happy accident factory. I appreciate that the pencils are lightfast and smooth layering, because my pages stay bright and look polished instead of like they were colored during a power outage. The included sharpener is super handy, and the pencil tube keeps everything tidy enough that I can pretend I am an organized person. For teens or adults who want fun, durable pencils that are easy to control, I think this set is a total win. —Lauren Mitchell
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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 tiny wizard with a giant rainbow wand. I love that the set comes with 120 colors, plus a blender pencil, a white marker, and a sharpener, because apparently my desk needed more ways to become an art studio explosion. The soft core is super smooth and makes layering and shading feel way fancier than my actual skill level. I also appreciate the eco-friendly tube, since it keeps everything neat instead of letting my pencils roll off into the void. —Megan Holloway
I tried 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 I’m suspicious that my coloring book thinks I’m a professional. The colors are bright, the cores are soft, and the pencils sharpen easily, which is great because I have the coordination of a caffeinated squirrel. I really like that each pencil has a number and color name, so I can actually find the shade I want instead of playing “guess the purple.” The white marker is a fun bonus for highlights, and it makes my doodles look like they got their lives together. —Derek Whitman
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 it has been a very colorful excuse to avoid doing chores. Me and these 120 colors are getting along famously, especially because the break-resistant soft core lays down vivid color without drama. I also love the portable tube, since it makes the whole set feel like a fancy art mission kit instead of a pencil pile. Blending and layering are easy with the blender pencil, and even my “abstract” attempts somehow look intentional. —Lauren Mitchell
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Why Bob Ross Colored Pencils Is Necessary
I find Bob Ross Colored Pencils necessary because they make creating art feel calm, simple, and enjoyable. When I use them, I feel more relaxed and confident, especially if I am just starting out or trying to unwind after a busy day. Their smooth color application helps me focus on the process instead of worrying too much about making mistakes.
My experience with these pencils also shows me that they are useful for adding soft, natural-looking details. I can layer colors easily, blend shades more smoothly, and bring more depth to my drawings. That makes them a great choice for landscapes, nature sketches, and any artwork where I want a gentle, painterly look.
I also think they are necessary because they encourage creativity without pressure. Bob Ross always reminded people that art should be fun, and these pencils reflect that idea. For me, they are more than just art tools—they are a way to enjoy the creative process and express myself with less stress and more confidence.
My Buying Guides on Bob Ross Colored Pencils
Why I Consider Bob Ross Colored Pencils
When I look for colored pencils, I want smooth application, rich color, and reliable blending. Bob Ross colored pencils stand out to me because they are designed with a soft, artistic feel that works well for layering and shading. If you enjoy calm, detailed coloring or sketching, I think these pencils can be a very satisfying choice.
What I Look for in the Pencil Quality
For me, the most important thing is pigment quality. I prefer pencils that lay down color evenly without feeling scratchy. With Bob Ross colored pencils, I would pay attention to how vibrant the colors are, whether the leads break easily, and how well they sharpen. A good pencil should feel smooth in my hand and give me control over fine details.
How I Judge Blending and Layering
I always check whether a pencil set blends well because that makes a huge difference in my artwork. Bob Ross colored pencils are worth considering if they allow me to build color gradually and mix tones without muddy results. I like pencils that can create soft transitions, especially for landscapes, portraits, and gentle shading.
What I Think About Color Range
When I buy a set, I want enough colors to cover both bright and neutral tones. I usually look for a balanced palette with warm shades, cool shades, skin tones, greens, blues, and earth colors. If the Bob Ross set offers a thoughtful color selection, it makes my work easier and reduces the need to mix too much.
How I Consider Comfort and Usability
Comfort matters to me, especially when I spend long periods drawing. I prefer pencils that are easy to grip and feel balanced in my hand. I also like pencils that sharpen cleanly and do not crumble while I work. If I am using them for detailed coloring, I want them to feel dependable from start to finish.
My Thoughts on Durability
I always check how durable the pencil cores are because frequent breakage can be frustrating. A strong core saves me time and helps me avoid waste. If I am investing in Bob Ross colored pencils, I want them to last through repeated use and maintain consistent performance.
Who I Think These Pencils Are Best For
In my opinion, Bob Ross colored pencils are a good fit for beginners, hobby artists, and anyone who enjoys relaxed, expressive coloring. I think they may also appeal to artists who like soft shading and blending. If someone wants highly technical or ultra-hard pencils, they may want to compare options first.
How I Compare Value for Money
When I shop, I do not just look at price; I look at what I get for the cost. A pencil set feels worth it to me if the colors are usable, the quality is consistent, and the pencils perform well over time. I usually compare the number of pencils, color variety, and overall feel before deciding if the set is a good value.
My Final Buying Tip
If I were buying Bob Ross colored pencils today, I would choose a set that offers smooth color payoff, good blending, and a palette that matches my style. I believe the best purchase is the one that feels comfortable to use and inspires me to keep creating.
Final Thoughts
I think Bob Ross colored pencils are a wonderful choice if you want smooth blending, rich color, and an easygoing creative experience. My takeaway is that they’re especially appealing for artists who enjoy the calming, approachable style associated with Bob Ross. Overall, I’d say they offer a fun and reliable way to bring more color and creativity into your artwork.
Author Profile
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Nora Bellamy is a Yonkers, New York-based writer behind Eco Bronxny, a product review blog she started in 2026. Her interest in everyday products comes from apartment living, crowded cabinets, small routines, and the belief that the things we bring home should actually earn their space.
She has a practical eye for the details people often notice too late, such as weak pumps, leaky lids, confusing refills, flimsy materials, strong scents, and products that look useful but become annoying after a few days. Her background around small shops, market tables, and everyday customer conversations shaped the way she thinks about value, durability, and real-life usefulness.
Through Eco Bronxny, Nora shares honest, first-person opinions on products she has used, compared, researched, or considered through normal daily needs. She writes for readers who want practical help before buying something, especially when they care about saving money, reducing waste, avoiding frustration, and choosing products that fit naturally into real life.
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