old paintings, prose

My recent trip home gave me a chance to look back at some old paintings from a few years ago. At first I was a little disappointed: these are pretty good--have I not improved at all? But upon closer inspection I can see where my techniques have ameliorated and I could certainly do better versions of these paintings now. In fact, I have done better versions of the hot air balloons and butterflies, which I guess means my subject matter is cyclical. The following five paintings (below) were in my closet at my parents' house, and now they're here to show a more complete progression.