Leaves are done in much the same way. A small leaf can be completed in one stroke, a larger one may need two strokes, and a very large one three or more strokes. In general, leaves should be darker than flowers (when there are no colours) so that they can be distinguished from each other. In addition, the ink should seep. Delineate the veins of a leaf with thick or gluey ink, or with thin or heavy ink if it is a tender leaf. Trace out the veins as you would trace the leaves of the willow or orchid. Start each stroke lightly, increase your pressure as you reach the middle of the line, then relax again at the end of the stroke.
Veins can also be delineated with a stump brush. They do not have to point in the same direction as the leaf itself. The principal vein extends lengthwise along the middle of a leaf; those on the two sides are the branch veins, which should be denser near the tip than in the other parts of the leaf. Sometimes it is only necessary to put in the principal vein on a small leaf. The branch veins of a small leaf, if delineated with a stump brush, can be symmetrical but do not have to be evenly spaced.