Quote some people react differently when they see work that is 10 times better then theirs...some people (mainly kids) get mad and react violently because they get so discouraged

Is that aimed at me (because you're offended by my critique?)

'Hello everyone, here are two more paintings to discuss.
Any comments are welcome.' - Nikolay

"There is nothing that deceives us more than our own judgement when used to give an opinion on our own works. It is sound in judging the work of our enemies but not that of our friends, for hate and love are two of the most powerfully motivating factors found among living things." - Leonardo Da Vinci

-EF

i think the paintings work, at least to the extent that you took the time to blas tthem. my yardstick for a good painting (all technique, style, subject aside) is whether i can close my eyes after seeing it and conjure up the essentials in my mind's eye. if i can, than the work made some sort of impression on me. of these paintings, two have succeeded - the still life with the allegorical angels and cigarettes, and the achondroplastic girl with the taxidermic dog.

perhaps the others were forgettable, but at any rate, if a work conjures up emotion and attention of a viewer - even if it inspires contempt, outrage, etc- the artist has succeeded in the most important respect - to be seen and noticed amidst the ocean of total crap.

I didn't quite say the works were failures. I suspect there was no real intention to begin with.
Nikolay himself said:

I know it looks weird. Is it complete nonsense or can you accept this painting?
Some people like it, some people don't.

In light of this initial statement, and the swaying over the ashtray and cigerette butts; I felt my personal evaluation was valid.

I concur with you saying I was harsh.
On re-reading; I was VERY tactless and probably not in the best of moods at the time.
Nikolay; I apologise.

Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.
Sigmund Freud

i make no judgments on harshness. i welcome it. when i do something that stinks, which is plenty, i want to hear it stinks, and why.. when i do something good, there is nothing sweeter than hearing utter silence from a critic (like my wife hahahaha that philistineatrix)

i merely noted it was harsh. not harsh. harsh is a harsh word. authoritative. that is a better word.

it was nice of you to apologize to nikolai. that shows great character. . you dont ever have to apologize to me, though. in fact, i am going to post hoping you shred it. that's why im here. if we were here for ego stroking and noodle slalad, i'd think we were wasting our time. like any of us is good enough to not hear criticism.

i like your style. i just wanted to point out the possibility that you might be slightly wrong, keep you a bit humble.

later

I think you are one of the most talented artist that I have seen for some time! Keep it up. I love not only the beauty of the pieces but the way they get you to think. Some people who do not have a taste for history but instead like more "contemporary" styles may not enjoy your work as much, but dont listen too them. Such insight! Bravo! Wish I could afford one. Especially like the one with the angels/ heaven and the ashtray/hell. I know ive recently quit smoking and its been like hell! lol.

-Valerie
http://www.geocities.com/elohimrules/