There is an inherent stupidity in waiting for a person's approval before you approve of yourself...
Most people think you're good. You know you are. You've worked your life out to be better.
But you think he's really, really good. You're jealous but you appreciate his work. He has becomes the benchmark.
You want him to approve of you. You desperately want him to approve of you.. To acknowledge you're just as good as he is.. To acknowledge that you're up there with him too..
He never does. You're scared you're not good enough. You're scared he does not think you up to par.. You begin to doubt yourself. Despite the feedback you're getting from others, you need his feedback; that person in the mighty echelon...
He never gives you the precious feedback; and amidst the self doubt, you vindictively begin to think he's a proud sonofabitch, and you become pathetically sad..
My dear.. Don't be.. He saw you.. He thought you were good too.. He was jealous of you too. Only, he could not appreciate your art because of that jealousy. Don't misunderstand him. He's not proud... He's just jealous; and you must realize that jealousy is a natural feeling..
A lot of people will not appreciate your work, _not because they're not good", but they're too good. Not everyone can deal with the biting envy that stems from an adroit and competitive work of art. Approve of yourself and move on! You'll get the rep you deserve. I promise..