To be upset no one liked my painting?

[Whoopdedoop]

I’ve been going to an art class for eight weeks. Showed DH, DD1, DS1 and DM and DF what I did tonight and they were very dismissive of it and pointed out what was wrong with it.

I was actually pretty proud of it, and now I’m feeling a little upset. Everything they do I am positive about, and I just think it wouldn’t have hurt them to be nice about it.

But then I think I’m 50; I should be able to take criticism without getting upset.

AIBU to be upset by their comments?

Art is very personal.

People's walls display proof that
every one is an art critic. They only buy what they like.
Your family needs to learn how to announce what they love about your works without airing their criticisms harshly.

Start by telling your kids and DH that you were hurt and that they need to practise polite appraisal.
You are a student though so make use of their critique without taking them to heart; you wouldn't be taking lessons if you already had mastered the art of painting.

Well done on finding a creative outlet that you enjoy. Painting is a life long journey, it never gets boring as there are a lot of different ways to do it. I have been going to classes for over 20 years and love it - it’s my ‘me’ time.

Maybe hold back on the positivity when it comes to things they do from now on. Practice saying what you really think.

@Whoopdedoop Can we see it?

YANBU - this was unkind on their part.

That’s not how a loving family behaves. I would have felt sad too. They could have said one positive thing about it. Well done to you OP. I wish I had creative talents!

My husband enjoys photography with a film camera. Personally I think his photos are usually really poor, and I can’t see the attraction of the hobby at all. I always find positive things to say about him pursuing the hobby and about his latest development. I feign interest sometimes and always encourage him to keep going. He has taken a couple of photos I genuinely like and I’ve been effusive about them. This is just basic support for somebody you love, I believe.

Why? The painting is irrelevant. The family members should have had something positive to say. These aren’t the national portrait awards.

And this is the internet. Bitchy comments will arrive on the thread and make it worse.

Can we see the painting? I am thinking of taking art lessons.

I agree with that.

Don’t let their shit remarks discourage you. It is incredibly inconsiderate and rude of them not to be encouraging and proud you, especially as you have modelled that to them. I bet your painting is fabulous.

My family would have done the same and it would partly have come from a desire to help fix any perceived flaws and partly as we have a culture of not ‘showing off’ or overly praising. It’s a horrible trait and I’m sorry you’ve experienced it too.

I hope you keep enjoying your class and why not hang your art around the house so you can enjoy it. You should be proud of starting a new interest like this.

Why do they need to piss on your chips like that?

id keep going and enjoying it but id stop sharing it with them.

OP, I can’t stand that disdain that’s only reserved for mothers it seems - I had a row about very similar this weekend with my family. I said that they all give me their worst behaviours and I’m expected to suck it up - it’s awful and especially when your partner joins in. Luckily I have fuck loads of confidence to stamp my feet and call them out on it but it’s crushing to deal with such behaviour when your role in life is to nurture, foster confidence and help your kids fulfil themselves. Then they turn into arrogant pricks and can’t be bothered to remotely give the same back….no, I mean why the fuck do we bother eh.

I would say: keep your precious activities to yourself and as a safe space until they learn some manners. Shame them every single time they fail to respect you like that. Honestly what shit behaviour ♥️

Even if your painting wasn't very good (I'm not saying it's not) the decent thing to do, is appreciate the time and effort that went into it, and find something good about it. Don't let them rain on your parade! Keep going and enjoy what you are doing.

Wow

You enjoy your class,you mix with like-minded people and gives you an outside interest.
Keep going and ignore the art critics at home.

If you enjoy painting,carry on doing what you love.

Sorry,they do not sound nice.

Reminds me of my family,super critical,rarely
a good word to say about anything or anyone.

Example sowing seeds of doubt.

Sadly you cannot choose your family.
Carry on as you are & keep them out!

I was told by someone that there's no rules, or right and wrong in art. I still believe that. It's art and it's your expression. They can make their own art, this is all yours

I would be less supportive of your DH and parents when they next look for some affirmation.

The pp who said miserable buggers was spot on.

It wouldn’t have hurt them to be kind, especially if they could see it meant something to you.

Being honest is all very well but it doesn’t give license to crush others,

They were twatty. Even if it was terrible a white lie costs nothing in this situation or just pick out a positive- “ I really like how you’ve done the sky” even if you don’t like it overall.

Your parents in particular are really nasty. I would just hang it up and if the say anything your reply is “God it’s true, there never has been a hater doing better than you.”

They are in no position to criticize, and belittling is a disgusting tactic.

How unkind of them all!!! You keep going,
OP. I love my art class (also a newbie). I’m enjoying learning new skills, being creative and meeting new people. What’s more I’ve had a very unexpected benefit from it - it has been excellent for my mental health. I arrived at a class absolutely beside myself with stress and worry. When I got home, I realised I felt fine - I would have been totally unable to calm down like this if I had just stayed at home.

So if your child went to art class and brought a painting home you would say you didn’t like it and it wasn’t good?
Just lie and say you love it. It’s not hard to not hurt people’s feelings