For an idea of the artists have inspired me (and still do) have a look at:

For landscape work have a look at:

Edward Wesson - An English watercolour artist that produced bold uncomplicated works - he also was a keen practitioner of line and wash drawing with a matchstick dipped in Indian ink. He was also well known for his work as an art teacher.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Wesson

Edward Siago - An English artist who painted in both oil and watercolour.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Seago

Rowland Hilder - A landscape and maritime artist.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rowland_Hilder

James Fletcher-Watson - English watercolour artist. Probably better known for his landscape work but also painted buildings.
http://www.jamesfletcherwatson.com/biography.asp

Caspar David Friedrich - A 19th-century German Romantic landscape painter
www.caspardavidfriedrich.org/

For Abstract work have a look at the work of:

Henri Matisse - French artist - His later work is mostly the abstract stuff ("stuff" does not do justice to the work of Matisse!) - I just love the simplicity and colour of the work. My favourite is "The Sorrows of the King" 1952, Gouache on paper.
www.henri-matisse.net/

Paul Klee - German/Swiss artist - An exponent of colour theory which shows in his abstract work. His work changes over time moving from closed line abstract to open line work. A main inspiration I think regarding abstract work - probably.
www.paulklee.com


For a look at the artists that helped to start me off painting about 18 years ago have a look at the following but because they are working artists there websites are a bit commercial - I used their books:

Frank Clarke - he paints simple but effective watercolours and good for beginners - A great start for producing those lovely wet into wet skys.
http://simplypainting.com/

David Bellamy - His earlier books that form a sort of home study course are an excellent way to get into more advanced painting while developing your own style rather than just copying work. I liked David Bellamys work because he got out into the wilds and painted with Gin in his water to stop it freezing. He also had a bash at painting underground. As a climber and caver this attitude to painting rung a bell and I still enjoy looking at his work.
http://www.davidbellamy.co.uk/

Ron Ranson - books gave good advice with a fresh and lively loose style of painting - He also gives some good business advice in one of his earlier books for those starting out on a painting career as he did later in life.
http://www.ronranson.com/

For abstract painting:

Rolina Van Vliet - A Dutch abstract artist - No website just three amazing books that help with colour theory and composition. Uses modern materials (unlike klee who would probably have used them if he had been of this era). This is another artist who wants you to develop your own style.

There are more but probably not as significant - there a lot of good stuff out there and if I get time I will put a proper Bibliography on the site. I hope the list above helps.

But I cannot end this list without mentioning my good friend Terry O'Toole who as far back as 1995 first pointed me in the direction of people like Ron Ranson and James Fletcher Watson and the study of the work of artists such as Georges Seurat, famous for his pointalism. Not to mention making me paint about 20 paintings a fortnight during my first two years with him acting as my private tutor. It was, however, a good professional start to what was then a pleasant pastime. But it has, since the end of 2009, become a serious and very enjoyable profession.