I see many would-be artists get “concepts” and “emotions” confused.
Art deals with emotions, feelings and things that can not be logically explained.
For example listening to a bit of classical music, or any music that moves you, the experience is very engrossing. The experience might lift your spirits, so to speak.
On the other hand, a concept is the opposite. if you look at a happy face, the experience gives you a concept of a happy. This experience is quite different than the emotional music.
Fine Art, in my opinion, deals with the things you can’t quite put your finger on, where as symbols, like happy faces, or flags or the thumbs-up symbol give you some sort of mental concept. It is like the difference between talking about grandmas chocolate cake (concept) and actually eating it (emotional experience.) That is a big difference!
You can see this problem crop up in art that has words all over it. These words are concepts that are attempting to dress up as art.
Below are 2 books I recommend to further understand all this. As an art lover or as an artist, both of these books are vital.
The fine art is built on improving ones artistic skills. Check out this book for more info.
Buy it on Amazon
This book is vital if you want to be a Fine Artist.
Buy on Amazon
As an Amazon affiliate I will revive a small commission if you purchase with my link.