Don't be put off if your first efforts don't look as spectacular as what you see in magazines or on some web sites. Lots of practice and exprerimentation will be required before you really start to get some outstanding pieces done. Look for as many tutorials as you can find and attempt them often until you are happy with the results. Access to old White Dwarf Models (late 1980's - Early 1990's) will provide you a wealth of information from one of the best painters in the business, Mike McVey. This is where I got most of my inspiration from early on.
Keep in mind that there is no one proper way to paint. Everyone will have their own unique way of doing certain things. Attempting to copy other painters' style can, however, inprove your skills up until you're at the point of getting a little adventuresome and ready to develop your own style.