VALIDATION?

An artist needs some kind of validation about her or his art - whether it be an acceptance in a juried exhibition, a sale, a positive critique or even a constructive one.  I liken it to watering a plant for sustenance.  So when several rejections come my way, I wilt until I "self-medicate" or the next feeding comes.  I sometimes threaten to give up painting but I love it too much to do so.