“You have always known how to compose pictures.
You did it as a child and you never forgot.
What you have lost is the memory and nerve to follow your instincts…
What you grew instead was an ego that demanded protection from embarrassment at all costs.”
Gordon MacKenzie, “The Watercolorist’s Essential Notebook: Landscapes”, page 36
No one likes to look stupid, which is why it’s crucial to learn to paint in an encouraging environment not a destructive one. Acknowledge that the most negative critic is probably yourself. (But if it’s a spouse, family member or friend, smile and say “thank you for your input” then continue doing what you were.) Be as kind and encouraging to yourself as you would be to a friend. Give yourself permission to spend the time learning, exploring, playing.