Word for being disgusted by but unable to stop looking at something

Solution 1:

One might exhibit morbidity, or possess a morbid curiosity, morbid fixation, or morbid fascination with such things:

morbid, adj.: 1. having or expressing a strong interest in sad or unpleasant things, especially disease or death

Note that morbidity means something quite different in medical jargon.

Solution 2:

Consider train wreck

a chaotic or disastrous situation that holds a peculiar fascination for observers

Solution 3:

compelled: driven or urged forcefully or irresistibly, often against one's will.

For me, once you're a painter, you're constantly compelled to look at the world as a potential subject for painting.

O accursed hunger of gold, to what dost thou not compel human hearts! - Virgil