“What people think of you is none of your business” is a quote I like.

One suggestion I have is to unfriend or at least hide these people in your Facebook newsfeed. Exit the groups where they are making public comments that have you feeling uncomfortable. Essentially, limit your exposure to the hurtful things. Out of sight, out of mind can sometimes be a very easy and effective way to deal with these types of issues.

I encourage you to continue with your art project. It made you happy. Do it for you, not for anybody else. If you do share it in an online art community and someone recognizes it and starts in on you, that’s going to reflect far worse on them than on you. Don’t allow fear to keep you paralyzed. Sharing your art is brave, be proud of that. Anyone can be a critic but it takes courage to exhibit your work. Unfortunately, you may need to develop thick skin in terms of handling criticism or rejection. Not everybody is going to like your work, or you for that matter, but it takes all types to make the world go around. Someone may fall in love with your work, and by extension you.