Partial outlines can be employed to accentuate certain edges and to introduce an element of abstraction that does not overly define the edges. The artist chooses to place outlines here and there to strengthen edges and draw attention, leading the eye of the viewer around the piece. Outlined shapes/subjects become more prominent, and non-outlined shapes/subjects draw less attention.

The outline is usually of a color and/ or value that is distinct from the subjects/shapes. The color(s) chosen for the outlines might have a symbolic meaning, and varied colors can be used around different subjects to allude to a distinct aura that each subject has.

Featured: Almond Blossom by Vincent Van Gogh.