I completely agree...design and art, although closely related, are kinda very different at the same time.
Just cause you're a designer, doesn't make you an artist. Just because you're an artist, doesn't make you a designer. The folks that dabble on both sides are truly fun to watch function and progress.
Me, I'm pure design. When I pick up a paint brush, it is to apply glue or epoxy to a prototype. I do appreciate the fine arts though...true talents they are.
Come to think of it, Architecture is a good combination of design and fine art. Many of the architectural principals and ideals that exist today originated from practitioners of the fine arts many, many, many centuries ago...Even millenniums ago.
I could debate and converse about art and design all day. It's a wonderful, unique and very different ability of human nature.