[Tom Edgerton]

Add me to the list of those who aren't interested in juried or pre-screened critiques.

If someone hadn't shaken me up when I was a rank beginner, I wouldn't have started to develop the (usually) thick hide I have now in regard to my work. Tim's right, you might as well start learning to take criticism from the beginning.

And as Karin said, and as I tell my students, there are a million mistakes, and I have or will make them all. So if anyone tells you your work is fabulous at the very beginning, they're lying. And if you're paying them, they're stealing your money. Two of my most recent students, beginners both, told me they'd fired all of their other teachers, because I was the only one who was honest enough to tell them that they had the POTENTIAL to be great (they do), but had miles to go first. Hearing this was a great affirmation, and a boost. I try to tell the truth, I think it's my job.

Karin, I understand your frustration, but if anyone is put off by a hopefully gentle but absolutely honest critique from me, they won't last long and I won't miss 'em. As I've instructed a hundred times, painting ain't for sissies, and if you have a low tolerance for frustration, failure, and pure hard work, do something else.