When I was first starting I admit I copied a lot of different artist's work to try to improve (not very long ago!).  I still get inspiration from some of my favorite artists, mentors and teachers and when I'm at a loss for ideas I certainly will paint from those but try to put a new spin of colors and textures to push myself.  I see a lot of artists copying other's styles and doing exact copies and not giving credit to the artist or even admitting they are doing it.  I have done this and justified doing this but after you have been an artist for a while, it is good to stop copying and start the process of coming up with your own original inspiration.  That's more difficult but much more satisfying in the end!

For a a while after taking lessons from Jackie Schindehette, I would paint just like her and this one is actually from lessons I took from her.  As it is exactly like the one she did, I did not sell it but gave it to an auction and now it hangs in Sherrie Christoff's home.  I did a series of paintings inspired from Jackie and I call them all by her name.  Now I know better and do not copy other artist's styles.  I copied Donna Leeward's style at the beginning as she was my first teacher, I tried to copy the great Daniel Keys but he's a modern day master and no one really can copy his style even if they tried!  

My most successful paintings were not inspired by other artists although looking at other art inspires me to create!  I would say I more want to be inspired by successful artists work ethic, marketing and social skills of which mine are sorely lacking leaving me feeling socially awkward at times.

I hope you found this helpful and food for thought!

Happy Painting!