List of 5 artists whose work have inspired me (the most)

Everybody loves "Top 5" lists. They're better than top 10 lists, because 5 is smaller than 10, and therefor there really are no "fillers" on a top 5 list. Every one of these artists have influenced me greatly, and as such, I have listed them in the most accurate order possible.

5. Feliks Topolski

Topolski was a Polish artist active in the mid 1950s. His work is somewhat unheard of in the USA today, but he was responsible for many advertisement paintings in the 50s and 60s. I grew up loving Topolski because he was one of my Grandmother's favorite artists, and she was my primary art instructor for years. Feliks did, in addition to his advertising work, some incredible charcoal work for his own pleasure and instruction.




















 4. Todd Lockwood

Todd Lockwood is one of the top 5 fantasy illustrators alive today. His work has been featured in Dungeons and Dragons, Magic the Gathering, and R.A Salvatore's novels. His originals are museum-grade work and he is celebrated as a an that can illustrate in all genres today. Although his work is incredibly realistic, his compositions are varied within both complex and simple subjects.











 3. Salvatore Dali

Dali's work and imagination have been constant inspirations of mine for years. This artist needs no explanation nor introduction. His portrait of Jesus is without a doubt my favorite piece of art in existence.



2. Jane Peek Cooper

My Grandmother, Portraitist Jane Peek Cooper, is a well established portrait watercolorist in New England. She paints in watercolor in a traditional style and was taught by watercolorists King Coffin and Charles Reid. Her work speaks for itself (I was incredibly blessed to be taught by her practically from birth)




 


 


1. James Gurney

My personal art hero, James Gurney is considered to be one of illustration's living titans today. A historical reconstructive artist for National Geographic in the 80s, and author and illustrator of Dinotopia, as well as active presence in the illustration and plein air communities, James Gurney is not only insanely talented and hard working, but is an incredible human being, sharing freely any and all of his knowledge.