Are you inspired or do you feel undermined by great artists?

that's what the artist's ego is like, sometimes it tells you what a genius you are and sometimes it tells you've got nothing. but always believe in yourself. its ok to idolize the masters until you get your own individual style. i think all great artists were once influenced by other artists also. plus we have the advantage of technology now. we don't have to pound/grind our own pigments since we have them in ready to use tubes.we can also learn from the works of those who went before us. cheers! and goodluck!