I recently painted a study of some clementines (Leafy Clementines in a Plastic Punnet). After the clementines were consumed (tasty in theory but enjoyment hindered by an annoyingly large quantity of pips) I kept the leaves to one side, thinking they would make a good subject for an oil study. I was attracted to their contorted, twisted forms, with each leaf having its own unique characteristics, and small scale.

This study was painted in two sessions in Daler-Rowney Georgian oil paints on Winsor & Newton linen. It measures around 12” x 16” (30.5 x 40.5 cm). Started a couple of weeks ago, in early December, it was completed yesterday, the two-week gap necessitated by slow-drying paint. I’m not sure whether this was caused by my excessive application of paint or the linen absorbing the oil significantly more slowly than would canvas.

Anyhoo, as I didn’t want to wait another 2 weeks for another session (and the leaves were quickly drying and changing appearance) I brought it to a conclusion in the second session yesterday. The artwork is a little rougher around the edges than I was intending and there are certainly areas that I would change given more time and patience. However, I’m pleased to have (hopefully) retained some freshness.