Quote - I don't really see anything wrong with that - if something is intended to be a certain way, the poster probably isn't too interested in being told it needs to be changed.  I glaze over when people point out to me "the hair is unrealistic" for example.

I can agree with that.

For me to be able to create anything artistic, be it writing or a picture, I have to "see" the finished product in my head. Once I get that vision, it's just a matter of copying what I "see" in my mind's eye onto paper or into an image.  Where images are concerned, my challenge is finding the right techniques and tricks to get what I'm seeing onto paper or into a graphic program and have it look like the image I see in my head.   

The only time I think I really fail is when I have no vision and then I struggle for direction, as in the case of the Drow in my gallery. I had no vision other than "Drow wearing this type of outfit" and tried to create something from an idea and IMHO failed to do that.  The image is "ok", but too busy and distracting to the eye, and I knew that when I posted it, but I was simply tired of working with it by then.

I see people saying that they have a hard time tuning their brain to give honest critique because they have been programmed to tell little white lies and only give praise or say nothing at all.

You aren't the only one having to change your way of thinking. When  it comes to art I have always created it to please my eyes because I know what I like, and have always felt that if  other people like it that is just a bonus.   And TBH I still feel this way because it's impossible to please everyone and there is no such thing as "flawless" because someone will always be able to look at something with a new perspective eye and point out something wrong or which doesn't work....according to them.  Heck I find myself  mentally correcting the works of some of our greatest masters when I go to an art gallery!

Because I create to please me I have a hard time accepting criticism on my images. That's not to say I don't want it, because it's nice to know what other people really think and feel. And don't get me wrong, I don't get upset over the comments either.  What I'm trying to say is that for the most part because I create art to please me that the negative comments kind of bounce off of me and I have a hard time taking them to heart and TBH I have found myself rolling my eyes at some of them. 

However, please don't give up on me!!!  Don't think that I don't appreciate you having taken the time to look at and comment on my images. Because I do. I really do   However, it's a learning process for all of us. 

I am pleased to say that I have found myself reading some comments and then scruitinizing my image and going "Oh yeah, I see what you mean!"   Also, please don't be offended if I don't go and correct the pieces that are already in my gallery  because I deleted all of the working files once the image was done and uploaded to my gallery.  I will however keep suggestions and ideas  given, on tap for future projects.

"It is good to see ourselves as others see us. Try as we may, we are never
able to know ourselves fully as we are, especially the evil side of us.
This we can do only if we are not angry with our critics but will take in good
heart whatever they might have to say." - Ghandi