A recent article by Lori Woodward Simons in Clint Watson's newsletter "Fine Art Views" mentioned, among many other things, the work of artists "before and after".  One of the greatest times of encouragement I received was when  an accomplished seascape artist courageously showed some "before" paintings.  Rare is the paintier who's first work is as good as his (her) paintings after some years experience.  Realizing the artists we admire were, at one time, just starting out.  Just developing their craft.  Learning, growing, maturing in abilities and understanding.  Most of us had help learning to ride the bicycle (maybe we even had "training wheels").  At one time was Vermeer just getting the hang of paint?  Did Michelangelo work at grasping the "sketch"?  Could Leonardo Da Vinci have had "training wheels"?  Which do I enjoy most, the satisfaction of turning out a "good painting", or the satisfaction of a new insight (knowledge)?  It's just about a toss-up with me.  But I think I lean a little more towards the getting of understanding. "Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding" (Proverbs 3:13) is definitely true in oil painting!  Hang in there.