Derivative ?

This is kind of a first for me.  I've never had a nasty comment on my Facebook page, but today I received one and I have to admit I feel like I was punched in the stomach.  

Someone referred to my work as "derivative", and "poorly done at that".  Wow... that hurts.  

The first thing I did was look up the word derivative to see what it meant:

Derivative:

1. 1. 
   (typically of an artist or work of art) imitative of the work of another person, and usually disapproved of for that reason.
   "an artist who is not in the slightest bit derivative"
   synonyms:imitative, unoriginal, uninventive, unimaginative, uninspired; 
   
   
   

I was shocked to read this definition.  I wonder who this person perceives me to be imitating?  People have commented that my paintings remind them of several different artists ... Emily Carr, Ted Harrison ... someone even said it is like "Group of Seven meets Picasso", and although I admire all those artists... i believe my style is completely different from any of them.... although I can see an influence.  

The thing is... I don't know enough about other artists and their styles.  I've not taken art history classes, and I haven't travelled and visited art galleries much.  I paint images from my mind that are inspired by where I live, and hike, and play... also from memories, and just thinking.  One thing I have heard consistently about my work and usually from people who are interested in art is that my work is unique, and they haven't seen this type of work before.  

Anyways.... it is up to me how I choose to handle this.  After checking out this person's Facebook page, I can see that his focus is usually on the negative aspects of life.  I see no interest in art or the good parts of life.  I'm saddened that he felt it was important to put me down but you know what... I chose to put my work out there to the public so I have to learn how to handle the good with the bad.  I could just really use some (((HUGS))) today.  :)