Exploration
The first stage of concept art is exploration. It is used to find out what it is you want and how you generally want it to look. This is usually very roughly done and almost never coloured.
(non of the artwork examples are mine)
Anatomical art (character)
http://androidarts.com/cc/alcoves.jpg |
Object art
http://simscommunity.info/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/BfVHih2CAAASzOy-300x300.jpg |
Environment art
https://jadematrix.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/environment-1-sketch.png |
The second stage of concept art is approval. It is meant to display the work in a way to convince publishers/sponsors to give you the go ahead with the art. This is usually a neater, more detailed, sometimes coloured, version of the first stage.
Anatomical art (character)
Object art
Environment art
Anatomical art (character)
http://androidarts.com/cortexcommand/Faction_CMF/cmf_lineup.jpg |
Object art
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/61/31/7f/61317f15d1fc7f08f55adacc69973ff8.jpg |
Environment art
http://www.gamer.ru/system/attached_images/images/000/436/103/normal/db-environment-concept1.jpg?1318341864 |
Promotion
The third stage of concept art is promotion. It is intended to show off the work to the public in order to generate interest and hype. This is usually extremely well done, highly polished and always coloured. It also sometimes looks better than the game itself.
Anatomical art (character)
http://vignette4.wikia.nocookie.net/steamtradingcards/images/8/8d/Cortex_Command_Artwork_2.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20141007073048 |
Object art
Environment art
http://www.wallpaperfo.com/thumbnails/detail/20120430/digital%20art%203d%201920x1200%20wallpaper_www.wallpaperfo.com_59.jpg |