This branch of bougainvillea leaves caught my eye because of the patterns made by the shapes of the leaves and the shadows, and the way the line of the branch cuts through this.
For a painting, I visualise it as being done in strong colors, not necessarily green, against a dark background. Reducing the elements down to their basic shapes.
For a sample of the possibilities, take a look at this yellow painting idea and red painting idea which were developed from part of one of the leaves (look closely and you'll see it). Consider how much they still say 'leaf' to you, and whether this changes if you rotate the painting by 90 or 180 degrees.
For a painting, I visualise it as being done in strong colors, not necessarily green, against a dark background. Reducing the elements down to their basic shapes.
For a sample of the possibilities, take a look at this yellow painting idea and red painting idea which were developed from part of one of the leaves (look closely and you'll see it). Consider how much they still say 'leaf' to you, and whether this changes if you rotate the painting by 90 or 180 degrees.