Meaning

(http://www.laracaz.com/painting05.html)

 Abstract: This tree is an abstract tree. It is the perception of the tree that we see, because there is nothing about the painting that actually says tree. It is far over the top about what a tree should look like. It uses a continuous line for where leaves should be, and continues those lines down the trunk unrealistically. The picture modifys the visual facts of what a tree should be to emphasize color and light. The picture is a exaggeration realism of a classic style. It is unrealistic yet keeps a recognizable way about it.

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Symbolism: This tree is just a symbol of a tree. It is the tree sown to its simplest form. It is the reduction of any visual details. It is so simple yet it is obviously seen as a tree. The outside shape is the main component to tell us that the picture is indeed a tree, and that is all that is really needed. The symbol is not too abstract though,  which is why we know what it is trying to portray to us. 

(http://ivc.tamu.edu/research.html)

Representational: Finally it is the representational tree. It is the basic and most dominating of the visual experiences. The other two category's, Abstract and Symbol, take the visual experience and narrow it down so that the final picture you see is not one that you would be able to recognize if it showed up in real life. Through the Representational picture of a tree, you can tell its a tree, and might also be able to determine which type of tree it is too. The picture here is of different types of evergreen trees, and if I knew trees better I might be able to tell you what kind. Other types of representational images might have come from photographs. Before photographs were taken, paintings were the best way to communicate what a thing was supposed to represent.