I'm actually even slightly paranoid re compliments? I value feedback about what hits home for people but when people are too emphatic about praising something I've done, I sometimes feel like they are trying to hijack my process, they may want me to paint a certain way.

I know I have given strong praise when I see an artist do something I think will be important for them-- I try to let them know ~why~ I think it is important so they can weigh the reasons for themselves. I need to be more careful though. Complex stuff.