I have so many that I draw inspiration from or just enjoy that I'll have to pass on the classic masters whose names are familiar and focus on some perhaps lesser known contemporary visual artists/illustrators that "do it" for me.

Architect Frank Lloyd Wright.; To not only see but actually walk around "in" and experience one of his architectural works of visual art is an experience I've always enjoyed to the hilt.

Jim Hensen : Muppet-meister

Brian Froud: the British illustrator that Hensen employed for what he said was his favorite work ;the fantsy film "The Dark Crystal".

Roger Dean: another Brit illustrator designer most know for crafting the fantastic otherworldly Art Nouveau-ish worldscapes and contraptions for the "YES" album covers.

Political Cartoonists Frank MacNelly and Pat Oliphant

Master NY celebrity / show characturist Al Hirshfeld: "The Line King"

Filmmakers Orson Wells , Ridley Scott ,and now Peter Jackson of "Lord of the Rings" well-deserved fame.

Thought i'd broaden the consideration of what we experience as "visual artists".

C'mon Rev Bobert, y'all know all us south-paw artist types are wired all different anyway. ;-)