Yes, someone on here told me to visit art galleries to learn composition saying it was very helpful. And here you are saying that as well. I will have to do that as well as look at books.
I can't judge my own work - so to answer your question if my photographs are better now than they once were....I really don't know. I know more but don't know if I've improved. My husband says I have improved.
I agree that art is subjective. Beauty being the eye of the beholder for sure!
Yes, photography is the same as paintings in that composition and lighting are important. Who better to learn from than the old masters? They have stood the test of time!
Perhaps you will see in time the improvements in your work. I can certainly see improvement in mine, but over a period of many, many years!