Why I always collage in my art journal before I paint 🦋 Shanouki 🦋 Art Journaling

Why do you collage first if you are just going to add paint over it? A question that comes up often. Here is my take on it and the reason why I do. I would like to emphasis, that there is no right or wrong way to art journaling, I am just explaining my process.
The video is in 2 parts, watch until the end.
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[@LynsAlteredArts]

The collage is infinitely better. I don’t know why people say you’re covering it up, you’re adding color to it, nothing is covered. It just has so much more dimension and interest if it’s collaged.

[@ShanoukiArt]

Thank you so much :-)

[@uniquewhimsy622]

Many people don’t understand how to make art. Layers are essential to adding depth and dimension. Without layering the piece would lack interest.

[@LibbyRal]

Thanks for pointing this out. I've always had problems covering things up when I collage. Obviously, I save all the pieces and bits because I love how they look, and suffer greatly when deciding to paste something over them. Sometimes it paralyzes me and I can't finish the project. Does anyone else experience that? Your tutorial helps me understand how all pieces contribute in a cumulative way

[@TheCelestialhealer]

Oh yes, I experience it a lot, but this helps a lot!!

[@Weasel0539]

I have trouble covering certain pieces up too

[@hangingoutwithnanajacobson7582]

I am a newbie and couldn’t understand why everyone seemed to cover up so much of their pages/work. I couldn’t do it and so have been keeping mine “simple”.

[@debracarter7290]

I, too, have wondered about the use of collage papers so it is really interesting to see examples of both with and without. The second looks so flat without collage and it just isn’t interesting! You have explained everything so well! Thank you!

[@ShanoukiArt]

❤️

[@skeletalremains3860]

I actually like both but the collage page is far more interesting! I actually get it now. I've been art journaling for years but my pages are very neat and organized. I've always loved your style of journaling but never understood the disorganization under the art. Now that you've shown me the difference it makes total sense! I'm going to try it out! Thank you for sharing your passion!

[@dsmith1501ds]

So interesting, I have always been in the camp.of "why do I need to collage just to cover it" camp. This video really does show the difference in styles. I showed my husband and we are of the same opinion. Neither are wrong just different, and I guess it for me remains a decision on the day as to which I choose. Thankyou for highlighting this. And also for the massive tip at the beginning of glueing 3 pages together to make it thicker... That alone made the video for me 😂

[@ShanoukiArt]

Thank you so much Donna :-)

[@theresamiller996]

Gluing three pages together is a great tip!

[@KariGibsonArt]

I vote for the collaged pages!

[@ShanoukiArt]

Thank you Kari :-)

[@lynngudgeon9416]

I like the collage better. I love the dimensions and look of the paint patterns. Thank you and have a blessed day.

[@conniec4629]

I much prefer the collage!! It has so much more depth and interest.

[@melissaweber6543]

What a difference! Yes, the collageing looks much better

[@ShanoukiArt]

🧡

[@brendacooper7944]

The layered one. And even texture paste. Very inspiring.

[@ShanoukiArt]

💙🦋

[@MrsPatJones]

That's a very interesting bit of comparison. I see the point in collaging now - didn't before! Thanks

[@ShanoukiArt]

🩷

[@iaciflanders6608]

I love the collage one with all the layers and interesting features. 🧵💝✂️

[@ShanoukiArt]

💚

[@rosepadgett2061]

Love the one with the collaging. It is much more interesting visually.

[@evelynhughes951]

I watch your videos over and over. You are a great teacher and I love your work. Thank you.

[@ShanoukiArt]

Thank you so much 😊

[@vluna365]

No question ... collage, collage, collage ... definitely. Thank you for taking the time to make the comparison. I love your creations.

[@lesleyritchie5085]

Tysm for explaining this. I see artists using the most beautiful papers and. Constantly paint over them and I always wonder why 💜

[@ShanoukiArt]

Glad it was helpful! ❤️

[@tfntexas]

The collage makes the spread so much more interesting!

[@kykategray]

No comparison! The collage in the background adds so much interest, texture, and energy to your pages. Adding those layers really makes the biggest difference. Plus, it’s just fun! Love your gorgeous work.

[@connielester1641]

You have answered a question of mine that I’ve often thought about. Why do work and then cover it up? Thank you so much for your excellent presentation. Question answered and I really do know why we need to collage!

[@CanadianQueenmagenta]

Hands down the background collaging add depth and interest. Your work is beautiful!

[@sherryedwards5978]

Definitely the collage is more interesting. Very enjoyable.

[@peggylindenthaler6169]

It's nice to see someone using watercolors for a change, 👍

[@ilovetobemom]

I have never seen someone do a comparison. Very well done. I love the first one, but I can see the use of the second style for a quick page, especially if a face is drawn and painted on top.

[@ShanoukiArt]

Thanks for watching! ❤️

[@smalefamily9806]

Definitely the collaged pieced. It adds so much dimension

[@ShanoukiArt]

❤️

[@oneheart19]

Great video! The collaged version is more eye appealing for sure. The page with just paint makes me want to add collage pieces on top! 😆

[@ShanoukiArt]

💖💙

[@hangingoutwithnanajacobson7582]

Thank you for this video. ❤ I now see the difference and how much interest and dimension the collating adds to the page. I am definitely going to try this.

[@lindabarnett7653]

wow~~this is such a great tutorial. You have definitely shown why the collaged version is so much more attractive!!~~THANK YOU!!!

[@ShanoukiArt]

🦋💖

[@Mummabearscrafts4u]

Love the collage one, adds more detail to the work🥰

[@susanwebster1759]

much more depth on the left! Thanks for sharing!!

[@staceyflores4420]

I agree. I definitely prefer the collage.

[@d_Loren]

Interesting demo! I’ve never thought to NOT collage first because it’s always just been part of the process, to get rid of that scary blank page and settle my mind.

[@ericadurda9027]

Wow the collage makes a big difference! I will definitely be trying

[@ShanoukiArt]

🩵

[@gilamacdonald]

i like the collaged one better, but the other, quicker version is also beautiful

[@Emxx1]

The first is 1000 times better and you work is always beautiful 😍

[@ShanoukiArt]

Thank you so much 😀

[@lizedwards8]

I love the collage and in the background. You’re right it had so much interest and also gives you places for the paint to run. I enjoy watching your process and seeing your beautiful creations! 💜

[@pamvance7378]

I love the first one. On the left ❤

[@junkjournalgirl]

Love collaging, gives more texture and Interest x

[@hildadavidson6559]

Collage away hun. It gives your work those extra 3D levels. When I grow up I want to collage as well as you xx

[@ShanoukiArt]

Oh thank you so much for this lovely comment, it is very sweet 🤗❣️

[@sabrinaandbenji1390]

Me too 🥰

[@lauralu4175]

Definitely the collage adds so much more interesting and lovely 💖🌸💐

[@janicereece3842]

The collage version is so wayyyy better!!! Thank you for doing both

[@bettylongshore9594]

You definitely have a special talent for bringing the blank page to life!!!!! So interesting to watch you work!!!!!!

[@lindajackson6793]

Collageing is my choice. I’m just learning and trying to pick up tips. Thank you for your ideas and tips.🤗

[@julesiou12]

The collage is so much better. There's so much more for the eyes to drink up. Beautiful x

[@Weasel0539]

The collage pages always look so much nicer. All the background interest

[@Tisha554]

The one with the collaging is my preference. It was good to see both versions. Thank you.

[@cantthinkofoneify]

Wow they’re not even close…it’s amazing how different they are.

[@mak7587]

I have never really been a fan of either art journaling or collaging, but you make such exceptional pieces putting them both together. I am not really artistic at all but your teaching makes me want to give it a go. I like how you show balance with your art, but I find I’m not very good with mixing colours or focal points. I’d really like your guidance with this. Thanks heaps for giving away your artistic secrets 😄👍💕

[@tatumpretorius1226]

I’m so glad I found you. I love your work. Thank you for sharing.

[@ShanoukiArt]

Thank you so much! 💖

[@mary-lizsmith6716]

Definitely prefer the collagen version. Definitely going to have a go. Thanks for sharing.

[@kimberlyl9205]

I like the look of the collage better. I am going to try it for the first time! Not even sure what I’m doing, but I want to start! 😊

[@ShanoukiArt]

🩵

[@janemcbain5151]

Very informative, well explained!! Love your first one with all the collaging👍

[@shellyp8731]

Wow! So interesting! I’ve often wondered about that … like why do we put down all these layers we are just going to cover up? Now I know…this was so illuminating. I really see how much more depth there is to the collared background page. Brilliant! 🦋

[@wandasinclair3748]

The one on the left. Love your work and it’s agreatwayto

[@Bunefoo401]

Left for sure .... I love layers and the way the paints/colors divert around the edges of pieces

[@ShanoukiArt]

❤️

[@jadedgramma]

Left side...absolutely. Great video!

[@lilliannecahoon4822]

Absolutely the one on the left, in the book. Thank you, this was very enlightening.

[@KrissiCreates]

Just found this and love the collaged pages in your journal. You've got me wanting to play now and do something I've been hesitant to do. Thank you so much ! Off to watch more of your video's!

[@ShanoukiArt]

Oh I am so happy that I have inspired you to create. Have fun and thanks for watching ❤️

[@susanthomas7722]

Collaged pages definitely better! Thanks for sharing!

[@ShanoukiArt]

❤️

[@susanstemmet607]

Have watched this video before but so enjoyed it, am watching again. The collaging is definitely better. Thanks so much for showing us the difference. I am going to do this in my first little art journal I have made.

[@ShanoukiArt]

Happy creating 🦋💖

[@jease4547]

I just discovered your videos and am obsessively watching tgem, one after another. Your ideas and creations are so inspiring. And, as someone who has never had a spec of art training, I'm learning SO MUCH! A million thank yous! 😊

[@ShanoukiArt]

Thank you so much, I am so happy that you are inspired, it makes me do a little happy dance :-) Happy creating xx

[@Jeannes1234]

This was a great demonstration of the two types. Thanks for doing this. I prefer the collaged page. It makes a big difference.

[@Simren853]

I love your process, it's gorgeous! 💜I really like the texture that collage provides to journal pages. So inspiring, thank you!

[@ShanoukiArt]

🤗💖

[@marievenezia6987]

Definitely better with the collage. Thanks for the comparison.

[@chuckkolb1270]

The collage definitely makes it visually more interesting to me. Well done. A worthy comparison to demonstrate your approach.

[@19queenbee55]

Definitely love the collaged page! Can’t wait to do that!

[@MariKayCreations]

I've been watching your videos for a few weeks now, and it's like going into a candy shop, but for my crafty/arty 'mouth'. I love your techniques and the patience of the teaching. I see exactly what you mean between these two - yes, the collage first is a hugely better look to me. I'm on my very first journal, watching you and someone who does things very differently. Both are so helpful. I have done a water colour wash over each of my pages, over gesso, and was working out my next layer. You've convinced me: collage comes next!

[@brigitvanrooij1689]

The one with the collaging is so much more beautiful. I am gonna try this. Thank you for sharing!

[@cynthiaeastmanroan4243]

Love the collage. It's much nicer.

[@ShanoukiArt]

🩵

[@teresagarcia8279]

Yes! Collage first!

[@casandramclin3748]

I definitely like the collage better, as I am learning to Art Journal, I find your work quite fascinating 💜💙

[@ShanoukiArt]

☺️ thank you so much

[@diananortman2905]

So difficult, but I do like both.

[@hilarymerola11]

Thank you for this! I love how you explained everything as you went along, telling what works and what didn’t work. I learned so much.

[@ShanoukiArt]

💕

[@kimbreazeale]

Love the first one! I'm going to try it myself.

[@melindataylor9725]

This is a great video to show the difference between the 2. The collage wins for me, so beautiful. Thanks for sharing ❤

[@lesliewells1062]

I love the one you collaged first! It's so pretty and much more complex!

[@kimberlyrose144]

Very pretty, both of them. Thank you for showing your techniques. I like the one one the right a little better. Feels brighter, which is my style. That’s one of the things I love about junk journalling: it’s just such an intuitive feel-good exploration for the individual.

[@lori88ish]

I agree I like the one on the left, this was good to see I have never thought of comparing the two as I have always done it just the one day. TFS Hugs and Smiles

[@ShanoukiArt]

Thanks for watching!🦋

[@sharlaanderson2484]

The difference is amazing, thank you for this video - definitely going to add this to my junk journaling books❤

[@ShanoukiArt]

💖

[@dianpapay7927]

What a great exercise. This certainly shows all of the differences between the two processes. Thank you for sharing this experience.

[@stephaniemartel]

I love collaging too! Add great depth

[@fyrtalker]

Yes! Collage first!!!

[@elisabethhathorn1656]

Definitely prefer the collage piece!

[@maryparsons1873]

That was great to see the difference side by side. Thank you. Love the collage, so much more interesting.

[@ReginaCreates2]

Thank you so much for this lovely video. Very inspiring and fun 👨‍🎨 🎨 I like both methods and maybe the collage method better. I will try both methods. Have an awesome creative day 😊 ♥ Big like 👍🌹

[@ShanoukiArt]

🩷

[@marusnak1113]

Quite lovely, especially the olive green - my goodness that is perfect. Thank you for sharing this technique.

[@karinwatson4985]

Thank you for this visual explanation. I didn’t understand why it was collaged but it certainly explains why my pages are not as interesting as they could be. Thanks very much.

[@conniefossi1327]

Thank you for demonstrating both of these. I always wondered why one put down collage bits just to cover them up. Now I know. I prefer the collage pages.

[@Mrs.DeeAnnNance]

ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT demonstration!!! Woo hoo!!! 🎉 Mind-boggling how little bits of paper, punchouts, etc. create beautifully enhanced base layers so dramatically yet with such subtlety too! I am so thankful for you sharing your everything-you-do with us! Thank you! ❤

[@ShanoukiArt]

🤗💖

[@janehumphreys402]

It was so wonderful to hear a South African accent!! First time viewing your channel! Sending blessing from sunny South Africa!

[@kerriarista]

What a great illustration of why collaging first makes such a difference! Thank u for a great video. I’m subscribing to ur channel!

[@ShanoukiArt]

Thanks so much! 😊 and welcome ♡

[@anastasiarose9003]

The collage is infinitely better to me. I always question using collage if I am going to use watercolor and paint a face, yet now I am inspired. Thank you!!!

[@elizabethgoodhand7828]

The collage one is definitely more interesting. Yes going to give it a go. Thanks so much for sharing

[@MsLouisVee]

Wow thank you for this video. it really does point out the subtle but powerful differences every layer including collage makes. sometimes it takes a visual in order to truly see the difference between two objects and you’ve done that. thank you

[@paperblessings7338]

What a great explanation. I can see how flat the second version is compared to the collaged one. Thanks for sharing your talents with us.

[@astagenis8609]

I definitely love the collage page better. xo

[@anniefaint6373]

I liked the one in your journal book best xxxx 💕🌹🌷

[@janazavitz212]

Love the collage page and the texture. Thanks for sharing the two different ways to do your page!

[@angelaf5040]

Personally I admire your patience explaining this! Collaging makes a HUGE beautiful difference to any piece. The flow and pooling of mediums, paints etc is so much better when it meets resistance and different textures. It was a wonderful demonstration and explanation!! I absolutely love exploring the layers of other peoples work! To me the background speaks just as much as the focal points but just in a softer voice, but both need to be heard.

[@ShanoukiArt]

Absolutely! You explained that very well about the background and focal point, thank you 😊💖

[@margaretmoar8529]

A great demonstration. I definitely prefer the collage and watercolour and the words. I am looking forward to more videos

[@ShanoukiArt]

Thank you so much!❤️

[@brendacollinsdeeks7268]

This makes it so clear why the collage adds to an art piece. I generally understood it before but no I totally get it! TFS