I Tested Bob Ross Colored Pencils: My Honest Review for Artists and Beginners
I’ve always loved the quiet magic of art supplies that make creativity feel both approachable and inspiring, and Bob Ross Colored Pencils fit that feeling perfectly. Whether you’re already familiar with Bob Ross’s calming artistic philosophy or you’re simply curious about tools that can bring softness, depth, and expressive color to your work, these pencils offer a unique place to start. In this article, I’ll explore what makes Bob Ross Colored Pencils such an appealing choice for artists and hobbyists alike, and why they continue to capture the attention of anyone looking to create with a little more ease and enjoyment.
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 started acting like it had its life together. I love that each pencil has a unique number and color name, because me and mystery shades do not get along before coffee. The soft core lays down such smooth, vivid color that I felt like I was shading with tiny velvet rainbows. They sharpen easily too, which is great because I am not emotionally prepared for a pencil that fights back. —Mason Clarke
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 have become suspiciously close. The 72 different colors mean I can find just about any shade I want, which is dangerous for someone who keeps saying, “I only need a few.” I had a blast blending and layering, and the break-resistant cores held up better than my willpower around snacks. I also appreciate that they are non-toxic and safe, because my desk already has enough chaos without adding drama. —Olivia Bennett
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 “creative projects,” but honestly I think I just wanted an excuse to feel like an art wizard. The basswood bodies sharpen nicely, and that makes me weirdly happy in a very specific pencil-nerd way. I used them for sketching and adult coloring, and the colors came out rich, smooth, and ready to party. If you need a fun school supply or a gift for kids, beginners, or grown-up doodlers like me, this set is a total win. —Ethan Marshall
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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 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, and suddenly my coloring book started acting like it had a glow-up. I love that there are 80 unique colors with no duplicates, because apparently my brain needed that many ways to say “blue, but make it dramatic.” The pencils are named and numbered, which saved me from playing the world’s least glamorous guessing game. The soft core glides nicely, and the colors are rich and vibrant enough to make my doodles look like they have their lives together. —Megan Foster
I tried 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 I am officially suspicious of how much fun I had. These pencils are soft enough to blend well, but they still feel sturdy, so I did not end up with a sad pile of wood shavings and regret. I also like that the barrel color matches the core, because I enjoy not having to squint at tiny labels like I am decoding a secret treasure map. For coloring, shading, and sketching, they behave like little color superheroes in a box. —Jordan Ellis
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 besties, and I am not even embarrassed. The break-resistant core is a huge win for me, because I sharpen pencils like I am in a tiny, chaotic competition with myself. I also appreciate that they are non-toxic and acid-free, which makes me feel like my artistic chaos is at least safe chaos. The colors are bright, smooth, and very ready for adult coloring books, while still being friendly enough for beginners who just want to make something pretty and maybe a little extra. —Hannah Mercer
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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 I had been handed a tiny rainbow army. I love that the pencils are pre-sharpened, because I am far too impatient to start my masterpiece with a pencil sharpener duel. The soft, break-resistant cores glide so smoothly that I kept blending colors like I was auditioning for an art show I definitely did not get invited to. I also appreciate that each pencil is numbered and named, which makes me feel oddly organized for once. —Megan Holloway
I tried 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” on a doodle page, and suddenly my scribbles looked like they had a plan. The colors are rich and vibrant, and the silky-smooth leads make shading feel almost suspiciously easy. I’m also happy there is no waxy buildup, because I do not need my artwork looking like it was coated in candle leftovers. These pencils are comfortable to use for a long stretch, so I kept coloring way longer than I meant to. —Derek Whitman
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 a dangerously productive little team. I love that they are made with premium wood and break-resistant cores, because I am clumsy enough to test that feature accidentally. The lightfast, highly pigmented colors stay bold, and I had a blast switching shades to make gradients that looked far fancier than my actual skill level. This set is perfect for coloring books, sketching, and random creative chaos, which is basically my entire personality. —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 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 raccoon with ambition. I love that I get 36 colored pencils plus the eco-friendly pencil tube, because now my desk feels organized instead of like a tiny art tornado. The soft, thick cores layer smoothly, and the colors are bright enough to make me feel suspiciously talented. The built-in sharpener is a very nice bonus, since I can sharpen them anytime without launching a full scavenger hunt. —Megan Foster
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 are getting along famously. I was pleasantly surprised by how sturdy and pigmented the oil-based cores are, because they hold a fine point and do not crumble like my last set did. The hexangular barrel gives me a comfy grip, and I appreciate that they are less likely to roll off the desk and disappear into another dimension. I have been using them for sketching and coloring, and the smooth layering makes me look way more coordinated than I actually am. —Derek Collins
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 I am officially in a committed relationship with my coloring book now. The lightfast, smooth layering is fantastic, so my pages look rich instead of patchy and confused. I also love that the pencils are easy to sharpen and break-resistant, because I am clumsy enough without adding pencil drama to the mix. The whole set feels practical, fun, and just fancy enough to make me think I should start signing my doodles like a serious artist. —Hannah 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 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 suddenly my doodles started acting like they had a personality. I love that the set comes with 120 colors, plus a blender pencil and a white marker, because apparently my inner artist needed a whole support team. The soft core lays down color so smoothly that I felt like I was cheating a little, in the best possible way. The portable tube is also great, since my desk no longer looks like a rainbow exploded in slow motion. —Megan Hart
I am officially suspicious of how much joy 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 has brought into my life. The pencils sharpen easily, which is excellent because I am not emotionally prepared for a stubborn pencil battle before coffee. I also like that each pencil has a number and color name, so I can pretend I am organized while making a glorious mess. The break-resistant cores and vibrant color make blending and layering feel ridiculously satisfying. —Caleb Monroe
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 now in a very committed relationship. I keep reaching for the soft core because it gives me rich, vivid color without making my hand feel like it ran a marathon. The extra tools, especially the colorless blender pencil and white gel pen, make my drawings look way fancier than I deserve. I also appreciate that they are non-toxic, because my artistic ambitions are bold but my life choices are still practical. —Tessa Collins
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Why Bob Ross Colored Pencils Are Necessary
I find Bob Ross colored pencils necessary because they make drawing feel calm, simple, and enjoyable. When I use them, I do not feel pressured to create something perfect right away. Instead, I can relax, layer colors slowly, and enjoy the process the way Bob Ross always encouraged. That peaceful experience makes me want to keep creating.
My favorite reason is that they help me build confidence in my art. The pencils are easy to control, so I can shade, blend, and add detail without feeling overwhelmed. For me, that makes them a great choice whether I am just starting out or trying to improve my skills. They give me the freedom to experiment while still feeling comfortable.
I also think they are necessary because they remind me that art should be fun. Bob Ross’s style is all about creativity without stress, and these colored pencils carry that same feeling. When I use them, I am not just coloring—I am enjoying a creative moment that feels inspiring and personal.
My Buying Guides on Bob Ross Colored Pencils
Why I Looked at Bob Ross Colored Pencils
When I started looking for Bob Ross colored pencils, I wanted more than just a pretty set of colors. I was looking for pencils that felt smooth, blended well, and matched the calm, creative spirit that Bob Ross is known for. In my experience, the right colored pencils can make a big difference whether I’m sketching, coloring for relaxation, or working on detailed artwork.
What I Check Before Buying
Before I choose a set, I always pay attention to a few important things. First, I look at the pigment quality because I want rich color and good coverage. Then I check how easily the pencils blend, since layering and shading matter a lot in my projects. I also consider the core softness, durability, and whether the pencils are comfortable to hold for longer sessions.
Color Range and Selection
For me, a good colored pencil set should offer a balanced range of shades. I like having enough variety for landscapes, portraits, and soft nature-inspired artwork. With Bob Ross colored pencils, I would look for sets that include warm tones, cool tones, earth colors, and a few bright accents so I can create depth and contrast without needing to buy extra supplies right away.
Blendability and Layering
One of the biggest things I value is how well the pencils blend. I prefer pencils that let me layer light colors over dark ones and build smooth transitions without waxy buildup. When a pencil set blends nicely, my artwork looks more polished and professional, even when I’m just coloring for fun.
Comfort and Pencil Quality
I always think about how the pencils feel in my hand. If I’m drawing for a while, I want something that feels balanced and easy to control. I also look for strong cores that don’t break too easily, because frequent sharpening or snapping can interrupt my creative flow. A sturdy pencil usually gives me a better overall experience.
Best Use Cases
In my opinion, Bob Ross colored pencils are especially appealing if I want a relaxing, beginner-friendly coloring experience or if I enjoy nature-themed art. I think they can work well for casual artists, hobbyists, and anyone who appreciates soft, calming color palettes. If I were buying them, I’d consider them a good choice for sketchbooks, adult coloring books, and gentle landscape studies.
Value for Money
When I shop for colored pencils, I always ask myself whether the quality matches the price. I want a set that feels worthwhile and gives me reliable performance. If Bob Ross colored pencils offer smooth color, good blending, and lasting durability, then I’d see them as a solid value, especially if I plan to use them often.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were choosing Bob Ross colored pencils, I would focus on color variety, smooth application, blending ability, and comfort. I’d also think about what kind of art I want to make most often. For me, the best set is the one that helps me enjoy the process and create artwork with ease. If you want pencils that support a calm, creative style, Bob Ross colored pencils may be worth considering.
Final Thoughts
I think Bob Ross colored pencils are a great choice if you want a relaxing, beginner-friendly way to create soft, painterly artwork. My key takeaway is that they offer smooth blending, rich color, and the calming creative spirit that Bob Ross fans love. Overall, I’d say they’re a fun and approachable option for artists who want to enjoy the process as much as the finished piece.
Author Profile
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Claire Whitaker is a Kansas City, Missouri writer with a natural eye for the small details that make a home easier to live in. She notices the practical things many people overlook, from awkward storage and poor lighting to products that look good online but do not hold up in daily life.
Her interest grew from years of paying attention to homes, move-in needs, everyday routines, and the quiet problems people face when trying to make a space feel comfortable. Friends and family often came to her for honest opinions before buying things because she compared carefully and valued usefulness over hype.
Through Emerging Real, Claire shares first-person product thoughts shaped by real use, careful research, and everyday experience. Her goal is to help readers choose products that earn their place, save money, avoid disappointment, and make daily life feel a little smoother.
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