Since I was a child I've been inspired by Disney artists,  in particular I've always enjoyed soaking in the details that Disney's animations are famous for.  Movie masterpieces like Peter Pan, The Jungle Book,  Bambi, Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty to name a few.  These background paintings were done  usually in watercolor. Later animation would change to other mediums . Interestingly, for the movie "Lilo & Stich", the artists involved had to relearn how to create backgrounds using watercolors (because no Disney animations since Dumbo had done so ).  There's an interesting documentary about four Disney background artist called "4 Artists Paint 1 Tree" it's fascinating!

Norman Rockwell has always inspired me as I'm sure is has an continues to inspire a vast and diverse group of people.  Aside from his amazing detail and interesting compositions, Rockwell also strove to show a story or a message in his work.  Sometimes these stories were whimsical, depicting children at play, young sweethearts or nostalgic as the painting "Freedom from Want" was (that he painted in 1943).  However a lot of his paintings had to do with civil issues, such as his famous painting
"The Problem We All Live With" depicting a real little girl name Ruby Bridges during desegregation in 1960 (painted in 1964).  The previously mentioned Four Freedoms series painted in 1943, are probably Rockwell's most iconic pieces. These  pieces were paintings he did using his own neighbors (in Vermont) as models.