And for those unaware...this is one of my favorite artists alive or dead...

Naiko...or as we know him...Micose.

(I think Paul posted a link earlier, but no samples...)

Normal Rockwell is definatley one of my favorites, with the humor added to the paintings.
And then that guy who painted photorealistic buildings, I forget his name.

I've really enjoyed looking through this thread and seeing the artwork.

My current personal favorite artists are:

Janet Fish, contemporary realist:

http://www.newyorkartworld.com/reviews/fish.html



Henri Matisse:

BUMP

OUCH!

Edward Hopper
&
John Register

Marshall Arisman is one of my favorite artist.



I saw recently a very interesting experiment made by an artist from Québec, Simon Goulet. Look at the mpeg from that linked page:

http://www.oiofilm.com/main_eng.html

Magritte & Miro are a couple of my faves..oh and also Bernie Wrightson of which I think is a great illustrator

VanGough is definitely a favorite... I especially love the painting with the stars over water, and you can see the reflections of the stars, it amazes me every time I see it.
Norman Rockwell, as many of you have mentioned, is a huge inspirations. His paintings look like he framed a moment in time.
Dr. Seuss has always been a favorite, especially as a writer, but also as an illustrator.
Shel Silverstien's little line drawings are always great.
Also, I am very inspired by a few of my friends who are great photographers.
Also, by music and dance and theater and all sorts of things.
Pretty much everything and everyone inspires me in some way.

my favorite artist is Gottfried Helnwein (Austria)
he gets popular with his hyperrealistisc pics.
His central theme are children

Nice picks chili...
And for those who are fans of Pollock...go here:
http://www.jacksonpollock.org/
Just move the mouse...It's fun!