.

[nauvice]

......

[The Pariano]

Nature as inspiration is the best idea. The way you interpret and observe what you see and your emotions from it are the main components of originality.
But that is not to say that you can't look at other artists work. Take what you like from a multitude of artists and combine it with your own observations.

[Brushcommander]

Is that wrong?
Not at all. Copy other artists and their techniques as much as you want. You can worry about being original later.

[dcorc]

It sounds to me like you need to look at more great classic art (I mean old masters) - if you look at enough, you start to realise that they copied each other shamelessly - check out this guy:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laocoön_and_His_Sons

who (as the article describes) pops up all over the place :D

[Samari]

You'll find your own unique style in time. But as of now, copy as much as you want from your favorite artists. That is how you learn. There is nothing wrong with that. It is a practical and logical method of learning. I do it all the time almost every other day. Seriously, don't sweat it.

[Elwell]

"Don't worry about your originality. You couldn't get rid of it even if you wanted to. It will stick with you and show up for better or worse in spite of all you or anyone else can do."
--Robert Henri

[RyerOrdStar]

There's a time and a place for getting inspiration, I've found. But when it comes down to actually creating art, I have to shut myself away from all that stuff and be in a room alone with my materials.