I discovered an artist with a unique style and asked in her post if I could use her art as a reference, but the post got deleted and I couldn’t contact her. I still practiced the style, adding my own touches. The only similarities were the body type and the eyes, and even then, my details, highlights, and shadows were different.

I made a few pieces and posted them in the same FB community—not to sell yet, but to ask for pricing advice as a beginner. And I swear I didn't trace them. The post gained attention, but some people accused me of copying the artist’s style and not crediting her. I admitted I used her as a reference and apologized publicly. I also messaged the artist and apologized again. She said she didn’t give permission to use her specific style/signature elements and use them for commissions, so I agreed and apologized. Cause I was scared.

Later, people pointed out that her style isn’t original to her and many artists already use it, meaning I technically didn’t need to apologize. Now I’m confused. I want to keep using the style because it’s easy for me and works for commissions, but I’m worried people will still accuse me of copying her even 

though I believe that art styles can’t really be owned but can be learned by all small artists

I need advice,I don’t want to give up the style, but I also don’t want more drama because I low-key got scared apologising to her.

Is there an ownership over an art style that I used as reference?