One of my friends couldn't paint unless his girl friend was sitting nearby. Cheering him on with excited murmurings. Like a bird chirping. He needed an audience. Applause. But otherwise he was such an accomplished, independent man. Only when he was making art did he betray himself, and reveal how unsure he is. It was that one weak spot. But there are artists with the opposite problem. That is, they're only satisfied with their work as long as it causes people disgust and horror. They love to shock and offend. Either extremes are simply roadblocks. Whether people love or hate your work isn't the point. No man is an island - yes, it's true - except when he's creating art. You may as well paint, sing, or write poetry, as if you're marooned on a distant planet. It won't turn out any worse. Pleasing or outraging others has nothing to do with creative expression. If and when a painter finally gets the painting right no one is more surprised than the artist.