An important facet of this question is whether your opinion is requested or not. If the Artist is asking for your opinion there is a responsibility to be honest. If you find yourself offering your opinion there is a responsibility to be kind.
The artist owns some responsibility as well. Another important facet is the forum. An artist should expect that a published or public work to be critiqued by everyone who participates.
Your critical analysis and observations hold weight. An artist who asks your opinion of a private work is in a fragile place. Be nice. Is bad art better than no art at all?
Is a negative review better than no dialogue at all?
HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO COPE WITH BAD ART?
Honest, constructive criticism?
Passive silence?
Positivity and other outright lies?
How do people cope with my bad art?
I hope they lie to me.
