Evolution of an Artist

When Dylan was little, we'd sometimes let him play with the paint program on our computer. That was about the extent of his technical expertise, but now that he's older, he's become much more proficient in navigating a broader range of computer applications. He loves writing stories in Microsoft Word. He can Google anything. He really enjoys the interactive websites of PBS Kids and Playhouse Disney. He gets a real kick out of creating virtual zoo experiences with his Daddy. But recently he rediscovered his first love: paint. Here is a picture he did when he was around two years old. When we saw it again this afternoon, he asked me, "Mommy, what was I trying to draw?" I have no idea, but I do remember thinking at the time that it was surely the most inspired masterpiece I had ever seen:

He's been quite industrious the past couple of days, creating holiday "paintings" which he then asks me to e-mail to his cousins. Here are a few that I just adore:

Clearly, he's made considerable progress in his artistic achievements. But to me, his first early scribbles will always be some of his most precious work.