Even after he has been dead almost nine years, Michael Jackson remains the most popular entertainer of all time, and the most popular household name second to Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Jesus made things out of wood, including our salvation.
Rather than listing acclaimed artists through the centuries, look at people who inspire us to live with more energy. Mao Tse Tung was wrong, no gun barrel can stop the masses when their hearts are strengthened by hope.
Let your artwork blossom. Whatever skill you have, cultivate it, prune it, feed it, strengthen it, do whatever to let it flourish.