Subtle strokes/marks might blend into one another, but they will tend to create distinct streaks that add a bit of texture and movement.

In painting, subtle brushstrokes can have vastly different qualities from one another... tapered or not, short or long, soft or hard edges, thick or thin paint, straight or curved, shaky or controlled or energetic. Brushstrokes of uniform quality can be used by an artists to create rhythm and overall order, or varied strokes can be used to create visual interest and/or to more accurately render what the artist sees or imagines.

The presence of subtle marks in both drawing and painting can serve as a reminder of the hand and aesthetic choices of the artist.

Featured: View of the Basilica of Constantine from the Palatine, Rome by Charles Rémond.