Watercolor Horse

Here is one of my first watercolor paintings of a horse, I painted it about 6 years ago. My art teacher didn't like it though, probably the main reason I don't want to pursue art as a career, or go to college for it--WAY too many teachers out there who want to teach people to do art THEIR way, rather than teach concepts and allow for "self expression"--case in point, I thought this painting was pretty good for a first try, but he tore me down by saying it needed severe work--NOT MY idea to help advance a talent...