Recycled Newsprint Sketch Pad

The Strathmore Recycled Newsprint Sketch Pad remains a staple in the Arts & Crafts world for its accessibility and sustainability. This pad is the best choice for artists who need a high-volume, low-cost recycled surface for practicing fundamentals and gesture drawing.

Who it's for

Perfect for those who go through pages quickly and want to minimize their ecological footprint.

• Art students in figure drawing classes who require large quantities of paper.
• Beginners practicing basic sketching techniques without the pressure of 'expensive' paper.
• Teachers looking for bulk sustainable supplies for classroom environments.
• Professional illustrators doing preliminary rough layouts and storyboards.

Key features & specs

How it compares

The Strathmore Recycled Newsprint Sketch Pad is positioned as a high-utility, economical alternative to premium drawing paper. While it lacks the archival longevity of the Pentalic Eco-Gaze, it offers significantly more sheets for the price, making it ideal for the 'throwaway' nature of practice sketches. It is much more eco-friendly than standard newsprint, which often contains virgin wood fibers. Strathmore ensures that even their most affordable lines meet FSC certification standards, which is rare for budget-tier paper products.

How to use it

1. Tear sheets off cleanly from the top glue binding for individual study.
2. Use soft charcoal, 6B pencils, or conte crayons for the best results on the smooth surface.
3. Apply quick, bold strokes for gesture drawing to take advantage of the paper’s receptivity.
4. Store finished practice sketches in a dry folder to prevent the natural darkening of newsprint.
5. Compost or recycle the used sheets once they are no longer needed for reference.

I use these by the dozen for my figure drawing classes; it's the only way to stay sustainable while drawing 50 poses a day.

Sustainability & ethics

Strathmore has long-standing commitments to environmental stewardship, utilizing wind power for much of their US-based manufacturing. This newsprint is made from 100% post-consumer waste, diverting significant tonnage from landfills annually. The glue used in the binding is synthetic and vegan, as are all the dyes and processing agents involved in this specific product line.

Frequently asked questions

Is Strathmore newsprint vegan?

Yes, this specific recycled newsprint pad contains no animal-derived binders or coatings. It is fully compatible with a vegan artistic practice.

Does this work with ink?

Ink will likely bleed through this thin 32lb paper. We recommend sticking to dry media like charcoal, graphite, and pastels.

How does it compare to standard drawing paper?

It is thinner and more temporary than standard drawing paper, intended for practice rather than final works. It offers a much higher sheet count for the price.

Is the packaging recyclable?

Yes, the cardboard backing and the paper itself are fully recyclable at end-of-life. This ensures a closed-loop cycle for your art supplies.