I won't address the concept of what constitutes "art" and what tools may or may not be valid in the creation of same, because that horse is constantly being flogged.

That out of the way, let me say this: please, please, please, do not allow the comments of others to take away from you the desire to create. Regardless of what "art" may consist of, it is an act of self-expression, a way for you to share your ideas and visions with the world. Some may like it, some may not, some may deride it for prejudicial reasons that have nothing to do with the piece itself. Whatever may be, don't let the words of little yapping dogs take you away from it.

One piece of art has this or that technique that makes it more interesting to view, another piece of art evokes more emotion than a third, yet another will sell for millions, and 'round and 'round it goes. Some people will like your work, some won't, and the truth is that the ones that don't like it are much more likely to speak up. Aside from legitimate critiques offered by legitimate critics, there are those who simply like to tear other people down, and they go around doing it. They can't help being what they are (which to my mind, is mostly a nuisance) so don't let them get you down.

Keep on plugging away, make your art because you like it and it expresses what you want. Pay the rabble no heed.