Van Bleiswijck colored pencils: my review of the 120-color set

The 120-color set from Action that I used

My set has 120 colors, numbered from 1 to 120. In the reel, I introduced it at approximately €13 at Action. That is the reference price from my post; check current prices and stock at your store.

The variety is appealing, although I prefer setting aside just a few pencils for each drawing. This makes it easier to repeat a color and understand what happens when I blend it with another.

How they feel: smooth application with a firm point

They feel smooth to work with and lay down color easily. In my experience, they feel less soft than Luminance or Prismacolor Premier, but I like that the point retains some firmness. This comparison describes my impressions; it is not a hardness test between brands.

When I need to work on a small detail, I sharpen the pencil again. In the live session, you can see me restore the red pencil’s point from 2:03:58. A fine point helps with hair strokes and the edges of the eyes.

The barrels are triangular with rounded edges. I would use a sharpener with a blade in good condition and avoid forcing the first cut into the wood.

Can you layer and blend these colors?

Yes: in the live session, I layered colors and gradually built their intensity. For me, the key is to begin gently. If I press hard from the first pass, I have less room to adjust a shadow or change the hue.

At the start, I mentioned that their creamy feel made me expect to fill the paper’s tooth sooner than with Polychromos. That does not establish a maximum layer count: several light passes behave differently from a few heavy ones.

How I get started, in four steps

1. Choose a small palette. I test the colors together before applying them to the drawing.
2. Apply a light base. I hold the pencil a little farther back and tilt it to spread the color without pressing hard.
3. Build the shadows. I add more passes and observe how the color changes when another shade is layered over it.
4. Leave the finishing touches until last. I strengthen only the areas that need more intensity and sharpen the point again for details.

Join me as I apply color from 24:28. To practice each step at your own pace, find more help in my colored pencil tutorials.

I also noticed differences in intensity between shades; one of the pinks, for example, seemed gentle. It helps to get to know each pencil instead of expecting all 120 to cover in the same way.

The paper I used and what I would look for in another

The live test was done on 190 g/m² Hahnemühle Nostalgie paper. That is the reference for understanding the layers and blends I demonstrate. I did not compare this set on several papers during the same session.

To begin, I would look for drawing paper with a fine texture that picks up color and allows detail. Weight alone does not tell the whole story; the surface also affects how you work.

Before deciding, I would repeat four tests with the same pencils: one light layer, several layers, a two-color blend and a few sharp-point strokes. This helps you see which paper suits the finish you prefer.

I explain what to look for, with more examples, in my guide to choosing paper for colored pencils.

Watch how I used them in the live session

On September 30, 2026, I spent almost three hours on this coloring project. You can follow the process, adjustments and decisions I made to create volume. The recording is in Spanish.

About the final finish: at some points, I used cotton to soften the color. Later, I added a separate white and black pencil, as well as a white marker for the final highlights. Those final highlights therefore do not show what the white pencil in the Van Bleiswijck set can achieve on its own.