How would you respond to a person who directly insults your paintings/artwork in a one to one interaction?

“Of course one with pedestrian taste would say so.” Said in the most snobbish dismissive tone possible, without any hint of anger.

Don’t give them the reaction they want.

Please explain where you think I need improvement.

Fuck them. Next question….

Yeah, well, that’s just, like, your opinion, man.

“Fair enough.”
”.....”

Wow, it’s so hard to imagine people so rude to the artist.
Probably same as Grimmy in that case.
Let that fire up your passion.

Point at their face, laugh & offer them a fresh mint!

Don’t show them anymore of your artwork. I would never criticize anyone’s work. The fact that they can and do paint is very impressive to me.

Probably thank them for the honesty and move on.

Art is subjective. If you are an artist and you don’t understand that, then what sort of artist are you?

As an artist, myself, I run into people who have criticism… especially when I don’t ask for it, haha. My art isn’t for everyone and that’s just the nature of things, some people will hate it or think I lack talent or creativity or they won’t understand what I’m doing. That’s fine, my art is not for them. Hell, my art isn’t for anyone but myself, it’s just a fortunate thing that others connect with it and so I consider that lucky.

I’d open up my imaginary notebook, pretend to make a mark and say, “And that’s one against.”

Nice! I like what @kritiper ^ said.