Does Paul Emsley Deserve Criticism Over His Kate Middleton Portrait?

(Associated Press)

FOX News Magazine readers weren't the only ones who didn't like Kate Middleton's first official portrait. (More than eighty-five percent of you said something seemed off about it in .)

Now, the artist behind the painting admitted that the widespread backlash has been quite hurtful, British publication Hello magazine reports.

"Some of the words written about it were so personal. I'd be inhuman if I said it didn't affect me," says Paul Emsley, who was commissioned to create the Duchess' portrait last year. "It felt like a bit of a witch hunt," he continued, "and people who have not even seen my portrait joined in with what quickly became a circus. The worst thing is it was not only destructive to me, but particularly upsetting for my two daughters and my wife."

Middleton showered the painting with praise upon seeing it, calling it "brilliant," "amazing," and "absolutely brilliant." Nevertheless, a strong surge of public criticism is enough to make anyone start doubting themselves.

"But now, I've had time to reflect," Emsley told Hello magazine. "I am still happy with it and am getting on with my life. There is nothing I would have changed."

What do you think?