Begin with the right newsprint paper for drawing to improve control, texture, and results. This guide highlights five top options suited for beginners, students, and hobby artists who want economical, stable surfaces for graphite, charcoal, and sketching sticks. The selections cover pads and loose sheets with varying weights and textures to match different styles. Read on to find the best fit for your preferred media, workspace, and level of practice.
Summary of selected products
- Strathmore 300 Series Newsprint Pad — 32 lb, 14×17 inches, tape bound, great for learners and classroom use.
- Canson XL Series Newsprint Pad — 30 lb, 9×12 inches, rough surface for quick studies and charcoal work.
- Pacon Plain Newsprint — 8.5×11 inches, ream of 500 sheets, textured for crayon and pencil.
- UDAREIT Newsprint Paper — 8.5×11 inches, 500 sheets, lightweight 30 lb for bulk drawing projects.
- Strathmore 300 Series Tape Bound Newsprint Pad (9×12) — heavier weight for practice and early sketches.
Strathmore 300 Series Newsprint Pad
This economical pad uses 32 lb (52 gsm) newsprint, making it suitable for graphite, charcoal, colored pencils, and sketching sticks. The surface is ideal for quick studies and figure drawing practice, with durability that supports repeated erasing and layering. Best for students and beginners who need a reliable, budget-friendly practice surface. A potential limitation is the lighter weight compared to heavier newsprints, which may show impression marks more easily with very hard media.
Canson XL Newsprint Pad
The Canson XL Series Newsprint Pad features a rough surface designed for rapid sketching, drafts, and experiments. It’s well-suited for charcoal and pencil and uses 30 lb (46 gsm) paper. This option is ideal for artists seeking texture and ease of shading during quick studies, with a trade-off being a less refined surface better for loose, gestural work than finished drawings.
Pacon Plain Newsprint
Pacon Plain Newsprint comes in an 8.5×11 inch format and is sold as a ream of 500 sheets. The paper is textured to better hold crayon, pencil, or charcoal, with a smooth unruled surface. This is a practical choice for classroom set-ups, beginners, or artists who prefer a cost-effective bulk option. A limitation is that it is not designed for archival work or heavy media beyond light pencils and crayons.
UDAREIT Newsprint Paper
UDAREIT offers a bulk pack of 500 sheets of 8.5×11 inch newsprint, made from 30 lb lightweight paper. It’s a solid choice for classrooms, studios, or personal projects where large quantities are beneficial. Best for students or hobbyists working on many pieces at once. Consider that the lighter weight may be less durable for heavy erasing or media that bleeds through.
Strathmore 300 Series Tape Bound Newsprint Pad
This heavier weight natural-toned newsprint is designed for practicing sketching and preliminary drawing. It is manufactured in the United States and often used for art education projects. Best for learners who want a more substantial surface and a slightly warmer tone. A note: this pad is tape-bound and may feel less convenient for quick page turns compared to sticky-bound formats.
Strathmore 300 Series Mega Newsprint Pad
The Mega Newsprint Pad offers a large 18×24 inch format with 32 lb rough paper suitable for broad sketches, testing media, and experimental drawing. Best for artists who need a big working surface or for planning large compositions. It is ideal for practice or experimentation with dry media, but may be bulky for small spaces or travel use.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations For Newsprint Paper
- Weight and texture: Choose weight between 30-32 lb (rough or smooth texture) based on media. Heavier paper resists tearing; rough surfaces grip charcoal and pastel better, while smoother surfaces suit graphite and detailed pencil work.
- Pad vs. loose sheets: Pads are convenient for portable practice and a tidy workflow; loose sheets are better for grading or mounting work and for framing selections.
- Size options: Smaller formats (8.5×11, 9×12) are great for quick studies and classrooms; larger formats (14×17, 18×24) support bigger compositions and more expressive drawing.
- Texture compatibility: Textured newsprint helps hold medium like charcoal and crayon; smoother options suit precision drawing and shading with graphite.
- Durability and erasing: Some papers tolerate erasing and layering better; consider neutral-tone papers for warm-up studies and tonal experiments.
- Bulk needs: Large packages are cost-effective for classrooms or ongoing practice; ensure your storage area is suitable for handling bulk sheets.
FAQ
- What is newsprint paper best for drawing? Newsprint is ideal for quick studies, figure drawing practice, and media like pencil, charcoal, and pastels.
- Should I choose a rough or smooth surface? Rough surfaces grip media like charcoal; smooth surfaces suit fine graphite work and clean lines.
- Are large pads better for beginners? Larger pads provide more space to practice gestures and large compositions, though they can be less portable.
- Is newsprint suitable for finished artworks? Newsprint is typically used for practice and preliminary drawings, not archival or final pieces.
- Can I use water-based media on newsprint? Some newsprint supports light washes, but most are best with dry media to avoid excessive buckling or bleed-through.
- Is there a budget option for classrooms? Yes, bulk packs of plain newsprint or large reams offer economical options for groups and schools.